Pakistan is in shock following the brutal murder of 17-year-old TikTok sensation Sana Yousaf, who was fatally shot outside her home in Islamabad by 22-year-old Umar Hayat, also known as Kaka on social media.
The Murder That Shocked the Nation
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of June 2, when Umar, reportedly enraged after multiple rejections, fired two bullets into Sana’s chest at close range. She died on the spot. The killer fled on a motorbike but was arrested within 20 hours by Islamabad Police in Faisalabad, where he had fled following the crime.
According to Islamabad’s Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the suspect had persistently pursued Sana for friendship and romantic interest. Despite her repeated refusals, including attempts to reach out to her on her birthday (May 29), Umar continued stalking her — even showing up uninvited at her house multiple times.
During their final interaction, Sana reportedly tried to de-escalate the situation, telling him:
“You’re getting agitated, leave this place. There are CCTV cameras, please depart.”
Moments later, she was shot.
Who is Umar Hayat ‘Kaka’?
Umar Hayat, known online as “Kaka,” was a 22-year-old social media personality and aspiring model from Faisalabad who gained minor fame for his “tough guy” persona on TikTok. Described as obsessive and entitled, he had a history of harassing women online, with Sana Yousaf becoming his fatal fixation. Investigations revealed he belonged to a lower-middle-class family, had only completed matriculation, and had no stable career—relying on social media for clout. Friends and police sources say he cultivated an aggressive online image, often posting self-styled “gangster” content. His digital footprint shows repeated attempts to contact Sana, including showing up uninvited at her home days before the murder. Psychologists analyzing the case suggest his actions reflect narcissistic rage—a violent reaction to perceived rejection—a pattern seen in past honor-driven killings in Pakistan.
Umar Hayat Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/umar.hayat.272156
Umar Hayat Instagaram Account: https://www.instagram.com/umar.hayat.kaka/
The Investigation
Police launched a swift investigation, analyzing footage from 113 CCTV cameras and tracking over 300 phone calls. Seven investigation teams conducted 11 raids in Islamabad and Faisalabad, eventually arresting Umar. The murder weapon and Sana’s iPhone were recovered from his possession.
The Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Islamabad Police’s efficiency, posting on X:
“Well done Islamabad Police. Sana Yousuf murder case solved, accused arrested, and weapon recovered within 20 hours.”
Who Was Sana Yousaf?
Sana, originally from Upper Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was living with her family in Sector G-13, Islamabad. She had amassed a massive following on TikTok (over 800,000) and 500,000+ followers on Instagram, known for her content that celebrated women’s rights, culture, and language, often featuring Urdu, Hindi, and Pashto lip-syncs.
Her final posts, shared hours before her death, showed her celebrating her birthday at a local Islamabad restaurant.
Public Reaction & Wider Impact
The murder has sparked nationwide outrage and a wave of grief across social media. Influencers, activists, and ordinary citizens are demanding stronger protections for women, especially those in the public eye.
This case has underscored the growing risks faced by female digital creators in Pakistan, raising fresh concerns about online harassment, gender-based violence, and the lack of institutional safeguards for young women.
As of now, Umar Hayat remains in police custody, having confessed to the murder. Authorities are continuing their investigation and preparing charges.
