On January 23, in the ongoing murder trial of prominent TikToker Sana Yousuf, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka recorded statements from the victim’s mother and aunt on Thursday. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and subsequent threats against legal counsel.
The court also responded to concerns about safety and legal interference by summoning officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), following reports of threats to the defense lawyer. Proceedings have been adjourned until January 27.
During the session, the accused, Umar Hayat, was present, but initially without representation. His lawyer, Chaudhry Rizwan Elahi, later appeared, disclosing that he had received numerous threats via video calls and messages. These threats, purportedly from individuals with connections to Afghanistan, have pressured him to withdraw from the case. This has escalated following his approach to the high court for relief.
The court heard emotional testimony from Farzana Yousuf, the victim’s mother. She recounted the events of June 2, when a man in black shirt and blue trousers entered their home around 5 PM and shot her daughter twice in the chest. The assailant then fled with the weapon and the victim’s mobile phone. Despite immediate efforts to save her, Yousuf was declared dead upon arrival at KRL Hospital. Her body was subsequently moved to PIMS Hospital for further procedures.
Farzana Yousuf also mentioned that on June 13, she and Bibi Latifan Shah, Sana Yousuf’s aunt, participated in an identification parade at Adiala Jail, where they recognized Umar Hayat among other suspects.
Shah corroborated these details in her statement, describing the severe injuries caused by the gunfire. She too confirmed identifying Hayat during the parade, reinforcing the claims made by Yousuf’s mother.
The court’s deliberations were momentarily strained by an exchange of harsh words between the prosecution and the defense counsel, underscoring the case’s tense atmosphere.
Judge Majoka expressed his displeasure over the conduct of Yousuf’s lawyers outside the courtroom, particularly their engagement on social media about the ongoing case, which he deemed inappropriate. He reminded all parties involved to maintain a focus on the judicial process and avoid undue public discourse.
The case, marked by these developments, continues to unfold, with the next hearing scheduled for late January. The court’s decisions in the coming sessions are eagerly awaited as the community seeks justice for the victim and a fair trial for the accused.