IHC rejects plea to transfer Sana Yousaf murder trial, terms bias allegations baseless

The Islamabad High Court has rejected a request to transfer the trial in the Sana Yousaf murder case to another court, dismissing allegations of bias and misconduct against the trial judge as baseless.

In a written order issued by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, the court ruled that the claims against the trial court were unfounded and did not justify a change of venue. The decision emphasised that repeated requests for adjournments were tantamount to obstructing the course of justice.

The high court directed that proceedings will continue in the court of the additional sessions judge west, where the trial is currently underway.

The ruling also underscored that providing legal counsel at state expense is a constitutional right of the accused, ensuring that the trial can proceed without unnecessary delays.

Additionally, the court expressed concern over the language used by the accused in submissions against the trial court, describing it as inappropriate.

In September 2025, the trial of accused Umar Hayat in the murder case of Sana Yousaf formally began as an Islamabad court framed charges against him. During the hearing, he pleaded not guilty to all allegations, including murder and snatching the victim’s mobile phone, calling them false and baseless. Police allege he killed the 17-year-old after she rejected his friendship, while earlier claiming he had confessed during interrogation.

Sana Yousaf’s father calls for justice in emotional video message

Father of TikToker Sana broke his silence in a video message in June last year, saying he holds no enmity with anyone and urging the authorities to ensure justice.

Yousuf Hassan, a social activist and government employee, appealed for the accused to be identified and brought to justice, stressing that the truth behind the killing must come to light.

Sana Yousaf, who had a strong social media following, was killed earlier this year in an incident police say was carried out by a suspect she knew personally. Authorities have previously said the accused fled to Faisalabad after the crime but was later arrested following a joint investigation involving CCTV footage analysis and technical tracking.

Police also recovered the weapon used in the killing and said multiple teams worked on the case before the suspect’s arrest. Investigators maintain the attack was linked to repeated rejections of advances by the accused.