Pakistani Teen TikTok Star Sana Yousaf's Killer Sentenced To Death, Family Hails Verdict
Pakistani Teen TikTok Star Sana Yousaf's Killer Sentenced To Death, Family Hails Verdict Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 23:30 IST 17-year-old Sana Yousaf
Pakistani Teen TikTok Star Sana Yousaf's Killer Sentenced To Death, Family Hails Verdict Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 23:30 IST 17-year-old Sana Yousaf was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad last June. Activists holding posters and photographs of TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf. (AFP file photo) A Pakistani court has sentenced a man to death for the murder of teenage TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, a case that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over violence against women in the country. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Islamabad, where a judge sentenced 22-year-old Umar Hayat to death and imposed a fine of around $7,200. According to police and prosecutors, Hayat shot the 17-year-old influencer at her home after she repeatedly rejected his advances.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Yousaf’s family welcomed the ruling and called it as an important message against violence targeting women. “This is justice not only for Sana, but for society as a whole," her father told journalists, adding that the judgment should serve as a warning to others. Yousaf was widely known on TikTok and other social media platforms, where she had built a large following through videos related to fashion, food and skincare. She also openly discussed personal and relationship issues, topics that remain sensitive in conservative parts of Pakistan. Her killing in June last year triggered widespread condemnation across the country. However, alongside condolences, some online users blamed the teenager for her own death, drawing criticism from women’s rights activists and campaigners.
Investigators said surveillance footage captured the accused fleeing the scene with the victim’s phone shortly after the shooting. Yousaf’s mother and aunt were also reported to have witnessed the attack. Although Hayat initially confessed during the investigation, he later withdrew his statement. Under Pakistan’s legal system, he still has the right to challenge the verdict in a higher court. The case has once again highlighted concerns over violence against women in Pakistan, where attacks following rejection of romantic advances are not uncommon. Activists linked the case to several other high-profile crimes involving women, including the 2016 murder of social media personality Qandeel Baloch and the killing of Noor Mukadam in 2021.
(With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Pakistan First Published: May 20, 2026, 23:23 IST News world Pakistani Teen TikTok Star Sana Yousaf's Killer Sentenced To Death, Family Hails Verdict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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