Pakistan court hands death sentence to man convicted of killing TikTok star Sana

A court in Pakistan has sentenced a man to death over the murder of a teen social media influencer Sana Yousaf, whose killing last year sparked nationwide outrage over women’s safety.

On June 2, 2025, TikTok star Sana Yousaf, 17, was shot dead at her home in Islamabad. Umar Hayat, 23, broke into the home of Sana after she rejected his repeated advances, and shot her dead.

Police arrested Umar Hayat, 23, within 20 hours from Faisalabad, about 320 kilometres away.

According to investigators, Hayat confessed to the killing in a July statement, saying he had developed a one-sided obsession with Sana after interacting with her online.

Police said he travelled to Islamabad to meet her, and after being repeatedly rejected, went to her house armed with a pistol.

Authorities said Hayat entered the residence and shot Sana following an argument. The incident was witnessed by Sana’s mother and aunt.

Outside court, Sana’s father Hasan Yousaf said the verdict was “a lesson for criminals and justice for society.”