Pakistani Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Influencer Sana Yousaf

A Pakistani court has sentenced a man to death for the murder of a teenage social media influencer, a case that drew national attention and renewed debate over violence against women. Umar Hayat was convicted of killing 17-year-old Sana Yousaf at her home in Islamabad on June 2 of last year.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka announced the verdict on Tuesday. The court found Hayat guilty of intentional murder under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court. The court also ordered Hayat to pay 2.5 million rupees in compensation to Yousaf's family and imposed additional prison sentences for related charges, including robbery.

Police arrested Hayat within 20 hours of the killing. Investigators described the case as one stemming from "repeated rejections." According to a recorded confessional statement submitted to the court, Hayat admitted to developing a one-sided obsession with Yousaf after online interactions. He stated that he traveled to Islamabad with a firearm, forced entry into her home, and shot her. The attack was witnessed by Yousaf's mother and aunt. Hayat later...