A local court in Islamabad on Friday extended the physical remand of Umar Hayat, the main suspect in the murder of 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf, for three more days.
Sana was tragically shot dead at her home in Islamabad on June 2, allegedly by Hayat, who was arrested the next day. According to Islamabad Police, the suspect murdered her after she repeatedly rejected his advances.
Read More: Justice for Sana Yousaf: Pakistani Celebrities Demand Change After Influencer’s Murder
The police presented Hayat before Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Hafeez after completing his previous four-day remand. Prosecutors Adnan Ali and Raja Naveed Hussain, along with Investigation Officer Mazhar Bashir Khan, appeared on behalf of the state.
Officials informed the court that the suspect’s car had been recovered, but his mobile phone was still missing. “He is aware of the seriousness of the case and is refusing to cooperate in handing over his phone,” said the prosecutor.
Despite a request for a seven-day extension, the court granted a three-day remand, ordering the police to present the suspect again on June 23.
Read More: Famous TikToker Sana Yousuf Shot Dead in Islamabad, Murderer Arrested
Earlier, Sana’s mobile phone and the murder weapon were recovered from Hayat at the time of his arrest. Police revealed that he had taken her phone after the murder to destroy evidence.
Hayat, a 22-year-old unemployed man, had reportedly tried to contact Sana multiple times. After she blocked and ignored him, he allegedly carried out the premeditated murder.
Police said raids were conducted at over 11 locations across three cities to track down the suspect. His identification parade has been completed, with Sana’s mother and aunt confirming his identity.
The brutal killing of Sana Yousaf sparked nationwide outrage, drawing strong reactions from the public, celebrities, and politicians — including MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari.
