Death sentence for Sana Yousuf's killer; A case that shook Pakistan,
Kabul Times News |20-05-2026

An Islamabad court has convicted Omar Hayat, the main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Pakistani influencer Sana Yousuf, and sentenced him to death; a verdict that ended one of the most controversial criminal and social cases in Pakistan this year.

On Tuesday, Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka, in addition to issuing the death sentence, also considered other additional punishments, including imprisonment and payment of a fine for the accused. The sentences were related to charges such as theft, illegal entry and other related crimes.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a set of digital evidence, including records of phone calls, messages and online communications, to the court; evidence that, according to judicial officials, played a key role in proving the charges against Omar Hayat.

The accused had denied all the charges before the verdict, but the court found him guilty after reviewing the available documents and evidence.

The murder of Sana Yousaf in June 2025 sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan. The case not only shocked the public, but also sparked a new wave of debate about women’s safety, gender-based violence, and the growing dangers of cyberspace for girls and young social media users.

Following the verdict, women’s rights activists and social media users called for stronger measures to protect women and combat online threats and harassment. Many observers believe the case has once again highlighted weaknesses in Pakistan’s security and cybercrime monitoring.