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An Islamabad court on Thursday recorded the statements of the mother and maternal aunt of 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousuf in her murder case, while also taking notice of threats reported by the defence counsel.
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Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka heard the case and recorded the testimonies of Farzana Yousuf, the victim’s mother, and Bibi Latifan Shah, her maternal aunt. The court also summoned officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged threats received by the defence lawyer and adjourned proceedings until January 27.
During the hearing, accused Umar Hayat was produced before the court. Initially, no counsel appeared on his behalf, prompting the judge to question the accused, who said his lawyer had instructed him to attend the hearing. The proceedings were briefly adjourned and later resumed.
After the break, the defence counsel informed the court that he had been receiving continuous threats through video calls and messages for representing the accused. He claimed the callers alleged links to Afghanistan and were pressuring him to withdraw from the case. Counsel for the complainant rejected the allegation, arguing that the issue was being used to delay the trial.
The judge expressed displeasure over statements and videos related to the sub judice matter circulating on social media and directed Sana Yousuf’s lawyers to refrain from making public comments about the case.
In her statement, Farzana Yousuf said that on June 2, 2025, a man entered their house in Islamabad and shot Sana Yousuf twice in the chest before fleeing with her mobile phone. She said her daughter was rushed to hospital but was declared dead. She also confirmed identifying the accused during an identification parade held at Adiala Jail on June 13, 2025.
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Bibi Latifan Shah also recorded her statement, corroborating the account and confirming the identification of the accused. In view of the reported threats, the court summoned NCCIA officials and issued directions on the defence counsel’s request.