ISLAMABAD: A local court on Monday sent Omar Hayat, the prime accused in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousuf, to jail on judicial remand after the expiry of his physical remand.

The accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Hafeez by the police at the conclusion of his three-day physical remand. As the prosecution did not request further physical custody, the court ordered that the accused be sent to judicial lockup.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel raised concerns that Omar Hayat had not been allowed to meet his parents in the court. The lawyers stated that due to heightened media attention surrounding the case, the accused was being denied basic rights.

Responding to the complaint, the judge remarked that since the accused had now been sent on judicial remand, jail authorities would be responsible for regulating visitation in accordance with jail rules.

Sana Yousuf, a popular TikToker, was reportedly killed by Omar Hayat, sparking public outrage and widespread media coverage. The case remains under investigation.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025