Islamabad — The father of 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, who was fatally shot in her Islamabad home earlier this year, appeared before the press outside the courtroom this week, demanding swift and uncompromising justice for his daughter. The high-profile case, now under trial, has placed the judicial process under close national scrutiny.

Court Proceedings

At the recent hearing, the prosecution presented evidence against the accused, Umar Hayat, a 22-year-old man who has been charged with Sana’s murder. Police investigators submitted the pistol allegedly used in the crime, which they said was recovered during a search operation following the incident. The firearm has been sent for forensic testing to match fingerprints and ballistic evidence with the crime scene.

Prosecutors informed the court that witness statements and electronic records, including call data and location tracking, are part of the case file. The court acknowledged receipt of this evidence and ordered that it be placed on record for the upcoming sessions.

Father’s Demand

Speaking after the hearing, Sana’s father called for the trial to move forward without unnecessary delays. “My daughter’s life was taken unjustly,” he said. “I want justice, nothing more. The accused must face the consequences under the law.”

The grieving father urged the court and investigators to remain vigilant in ensuring the case is not derailed by procedural delays. “Every day we wait, our pain deepens. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said firmly.

Charges Against the Accused

The accused, Umar Hayat, has been charged under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with murder, along with related provisions concerning the use of an illegal firearm. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the court’s decision.

Hayat was brought to court under strict security, and his legal counsel entered a plea of not guilty. The defense has requested additional time to review the prosecution’s evidence, including forensic reports. The court granted the request but reminded both sides that the case will proceed on an expedited schedule.

Evidence Presented

So far, the evidence submitted includes:

• The recovered pistol, believed to be the murder weapon.

• Eyewitness testimony from neighbors who heard the gunshot and saw the suspect leaving the house.

• Forensic samples collected from the crime scene, including fingerprints and ballistic data.

• Call data records linking the suspect’s phone to the vicinity of the victim’s residence at the time of the incident.

The court noted that the forensic report on the pistol will be a crucial piece of evidence in establishing the sequence of events and the direct involvement of the accused.

Next Steps in the Trial

The court set the next hearing for later this month. During the upcoming sessions, forensic experts are expected to testify, and further witnesses will be cross-examined. The prosecution has also requested protection for key witnesses to ensure their safety throughout the proceedings.

The judge stated that the case will be treated as a priority matter, citing both its seriousness and the public attention it has drawn. He assured the victim’s family that the court will aim to deliver justice within the framework of law, avoiding unnecessary postponements.

Ongoing Demand for Justice

For the victim’s father, the continuation of the trial is a painful but necessary step. Standing outside the courtroom, he repeated his appeal: “We are only asking for the law to take its course. My daughter cannot return, but justice must be served.”

As the hearings proceed, the family remains determined to see the case through to its conclusion, pressing for a clear verdict that holds the accused fully accountable under Pakistan’s legal system.