22-Year-Old Man Arrested for Murder of Pakistani Social Media Influencer Sana Yousaf

A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Pakistan for the murder of 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf, who was fatally shot at her home in Islamabad. Authorities say the suspect, Umar Hayat, confessed to the crime and cited rejection of his repeated "offers of friendship" as his motive.

Police allege Hayat made multiple unsuccessful attempts to meet Ms Yousaf before breaking into her home on Monday. He reportedly fired two gunshots, stole her phone, and fled the scene. Ms Yousaf’s aunt, who was present during the attack, was also threatened at gunpoint but was not harmed.

Ms Yousaf, the only daughter of Syed Yousaf Hassan, died before medical help could arrive. Her father described her as "very brave" and said she had never mentioned the suspect or any threats prior to the incident. She was buried in Chitral, where family and loved ones gathered to mourn.

The murder sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Investigators conducted raids across Islamabad and Punjab, reviewing footage from 113 CCTV cameras. The suspected murder weapon and Ms Yousaf’s mobile phone have been recovered.

With more than half a million Instagram followers and a growing TikTok presence, Ms Yousaf was a rising digital star. Her TikTok account has since surpassed one million followers, with many expressing grief and sharing tributes on her social media pages. Her final Instagram post, uploaded just days before her death, featured her celebrating her birthday.

The high-profile killing has ignited a national conversation on the safety of women on social media. While many have expressed outrage and sorrow, some users—mostly male—have criticised Ms Yousaf’s online presence, questioning her role as an influencer and even suggesting her social media accounts be deleted posthumously.

Usama Khilji, director of digital rights organisation Bolo Bhi, condemned the backlash, noting it stems from a "small but vocal segment" citing religious or moral grounds. He described the criticism as deeply rooted in patriarchal norms.

Human rights activist Dr Farzana Bari called the response “misogynistic” and said Ms Yousaf’s death highlights the dangers faced by female content creators in Pakistan. She stressed that the online discourse serves as a stark reminder of how threatening digital spaces have become for women expressing their individuality.

Inspector General of Police for Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, labelled the killing "tragic" and affirmed that women who pursue careers as influencers "deserve our encouragement and support."

Authorities identified the suspect as a resident of Faisalabad in Punjab province and the son of a former public servant. The investigation is ongoing.