Islamabad, Jan 22, 2026: The mother and a paternal aunt today recorded their statements before the trial court hearing the murder case of Islamabad-based Chitrali social media star Sana Yousaf.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka took up the proceedings during which the victim’s mother Farzana Yousaf and aunt Latifa Shah appeared before the court and recorded their testimonies.
Farzana Yousaf told the court that at the time of the incident on June 2, 2025, she, her sister-in-law Latifa Shah and her daughter Sana Yousaf were present at home. She stated that at around 5pm, a man wearing a black shirt and of medium height entered the house. According to her statement, the accused opened fire on Sana Yousaf, shooting her twice in the chest.
She also said that after the shooting, the accused fled the scene while holding a pistol and took Sana Yousaf’s mobile phone with him. Sana was rushed to hospital in a neighbor’s car but succumbed to her injuries.
The victim’s mother also informed the court that on June 13, 2025, she and Latifa Shah visited jail for an identification parade, during which the accused was standing third in the lineup and was identified by them. Farzana Yousaf urged the court to award strict punishment to the accused, stating that he poses a serious threat to other girls as well.
Latifa Shah also recorded her statement before the court.
During the hearing, counsel for the alleged killer Advocate Rizwan Elahi claimed that he had been receiving continuous threats through phone calls and messages. He claimed that the callers with alleged links with Afghanistan were pressuring him to withdraw from the case. The lawyer added that the threats intensified after he approached the high court on appeal, adding that these tactics were aimed at delaying the trial.
He requested the court to take action against those issuing threats. The defense also alleged that the prosecution’s lawyers were making unnecessary statements and videos on social media regarding the sub judice case.
The court directed Sana Yousaf’s lawyers to refrain from making unnecessary comments or videos on social media related to the ongoing case. Judge Afzal Majoka remarked that similar conduct by a journalist in the past had also been restricted by the court.
The hearing was adjourned until January 27 for further proceedings.
Related:
Suspect confesses to murdering Sana Yousaf before magistrate.