Statements recorded in Sana murder case

Judge restrains social media commentary as victim's mother, aunt testify

ISLAMABAD:

The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Thursday recorded statements of the mother and aunt of TikToker Sana Yousaf in her alleged murder case and restrained social media commentary related to the matter.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the case.

The accused, Umar Hayat, was produced before the court. However, no lawyer initially appeared on his behalf. When asked by the judge, the accused said his counsel had informed him that he would appear. The court then adjourned proceedings until 12 noon.

When the hearing resumed, Sana Yousaf's mother Farzana Yousaf and her aunt Bibi Latifan appeared before the court. Counsel for the accused, Chaudhry Rizwan Ilahi, informed the court that he had received threats through video calls and messages.

He claimed that those issuing the threats alleged links with Afghanistan and pressured him to withdraw from the case, adding that the threats intensified after he approached the high court.

Lawyers representing Sana Yousaf objected, saying that if threats had been made, legal action should be initiated. The court also took notice of remarks made on social media by lawyers and directed Sana Yousaf's counsel to refrain from posting unnecessary videos about a sub judice matter.

Farzana Yousaf then recorded her statement, stating that her son Yawar Yousaf was in Chitral due to summer vacations, while her sister-in-law Latifan was visiting their home.

She said that at around 5pm, a man wearing a black shirt and blue trousers entered their house and fired two shots at Sana Yousaf in the presence of both women. She added that the assailant fled with a pistol and Sana's mobile phone.