By Eniola Amadu
A court in Pakistan has formally indicted a man accused of killing 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf, whose murder in June sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate about women’s safety.
The suspect, 22-year-old Umar Hayat, also a TikTok influencer, appeared before Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka in Islamabad on Saturday.
He pleaded not guilty, insisting that “all the allegations made against me are baseless and false.” The court adjourned the matter until September 25, when witnesses are expected to testify and charges will be formally framed.
According to police, Yousaf was shot at close range inside her home after Hayat allegedly entered the premises, opened fire, and fled.
Investigators described the killing as “gruesome and cold-blooded,” saying Hayat attacked her after she repeatedly rejected his advances.
Authorities further alleged that he took her mobile phone in an attempt to erase evidence of her rejections.
Yousaf, who had more than one million followers across TikTok and other platforms, was known for posting lifestyle videos featuring cafes, skincare products, and traditional outfits.
TikTok enjoys immense popularity in Pakistan, particularly among young people, and has provided many women with both a voice and an income in a society where fewer than a quarter of women work in the formal economy.
Her death triggered a wave of condolences online, but also drew criticism of Pakistan’s entrenched social attitudes.
Some social media users suggested she was to blame for her fate, reflecting deeply rooted honour codes that dictate how women are expected to behave. One comment read: “You reap what you sow.”
Rights groups have repeatedly warned about pervasive violence against women in Pakistan, including attacks following rejected marriage proposals.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has documented a rising trend of such cases.
In 2021, the killing of Noor Mukadam — who was beheaded in Islamabad by her Pakistani-American boyfriend, Zahir Jaffer, after rejecting his marriage proposal — caused widespread protests and condemnation.
Women’s rights activists say Yousaf’s case once again underscores the dangers women face for exercising autonomy, particularly in the digital space where their visibility can attract both admiration and hostility.
