Pakistani Influencer Sana Yousaf Tragically Killed at Home
Seventeen-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf was fatally shot in her Islamabad home on June 2, in a shocking act of violence witnessed by her mother and aunt. The incident occurred just days after Sana celebrated her birthday on May 29.
Suspect Arrested Following Persistent Rejection
Authorities swiftly arrested 22-year-old Umar Hayat, a resident of Faisalabad, approximately 320 kilometers from Islamabad. According to police, Hayat relentlessly sought to establish a friendship with Sana, but was repeatedly rejected by the teenager.
Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi described the suspect as a "cold-blooded murderer" now in custody. He emphasized that Hayat's persistent advances were declined multiple times before culminating in this fatal attack.
Details of the Attack
- On the day of the murder, Hayat attempted for several hours to meet Sana but failed to receive a response.
- After persistent rejection, he forcibly entered her home around 5 pm and shot her at point-blank range.
- Two bullets struck Sana in the chest; despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
Inspector General Rizvi noted, "First, it was a cellular rejection; now, it was a physical mode of rejection."
Investigation Findings and Evidence Recovery
The First Information Report lodged by Sana’s mother stated that the shooter intruded with a pistol and shot the teenager. Investigators revealed that Umar Hayat had only completed his matriculation and belonged to a lower-middle-income household with no reported source of income.
Following the shooting, the suspect took Sana's mobile phone, potentially attempting to delete incriminating evidence. Police later recovered both the phone and the murder weapon.
The Interior Minister confirmed that the accused confessed to the crime, and authorities secured the weapon used in the shooting.
Initial Speculations and Police Response
Initial reports speculated familial involvement or an accidental shooting, though police quickly dismissed these theories, describing the case as a "blind murder" with no immediate leads. The investigation required extensive efforts, including multiple search operations conducted in Islamabad and other cities.
Inspector General Rizvi acknowledged the investigation's challenges and the successful apprehension of the suspect following multiple coordinated operations.
Summary of Key Facts
- Victim: Sana Yousaf, 17-year-old Pakistani social media influencer
- Date of Incident: June 2, 2025
- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
- Suspect: Umar Hayat, 22, from Faisalabad
- Motive: Rejected advances to form friendship
- Weapons and Evidence: Firearm and mobile phone recovered
Public Safety and Legal Proceedings
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. This tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of young public figures and emphasizes the need for robust protective measures against harassment and violence.
