From Forensics to Arrest: How Police Tracked Sana’s Killer

News Desk

Islamabad: The Islamabad Police on Tuesday presented a detailed account of the investigation into the murder of 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, revealing how swift response, forensic evidence, and advanced digital tracking led to the arrest of the primary suspect within 24 hours.

During a Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights briefing, SSP (Investigation) Mohammad Usman Tariq outlined the timeline and techniques used in the high-profile case that has gripped the nation. The investigation, which drew praise for its efficiency, also reignited debate over the prosecution system’s ability to ensure justice in gender-based crimes.

Sana Yousaf was shot dead in Islamabad’s G-13 sector in the early evening hours. Within five minutes of a distress call to the police helpline, officers arrived at the scene, securing the area and collecting key forensic evidence—fingerprints, blood samples, and two bullet casings. These were promptly sent for ballistic testing.

Investigators swiftly zeroed in on Umar Hayat, a social media influencer, using call detail records (CDRs), digital surveillance, and witness accounts. His phone records showed frequent contact with the victim and placed him in G-13 at the time of the murder. Authorities noted that his phone was turned off moments after the crime, heightening suspicion.

CCTV footage from the vicinity captured Hayat fleeing the crime scene, while geo-fencing data helped police track the rented Toyota Fortuner used in his escape. The suspect was traced to Faisalabad and arrested the following day from his residence in Thana City Jaranwala.

Recovered during and after the arrest were critical pieces of evidence: the murder weapon, the victim’s stolen iPhone—allegedly taken to erase their communication history—the suspect’s personal phone, and the vehicle used in the crime. Police secured a seven-day physical remand to complete the evidence recovery before submitting the final investigation report (challan) to the Islamabad Prosecution Department.

The investigation was initiated based on the complaint of the victim’s mother, Farzana Yousaf, who witnessed the incident along with the victim’s aunt. Both women later identified the suspect during a formal identification parade overseen by a magistrate.

While senators commended the police for their timely action and thorough investigation, several lawmakers expressed concern over the criminal justice system’s track record in similar cases. They urged authorities to ensure the challan is airtight to avoid procedural loopholes that could lead to acquittals. SSP Tariq assured the committee that two prosecutors have been specially assigned by the Prosecutor General of Islamabad to strengthen the case in court.

Committee members also called for preventive reforms to address stalking and harassment, particularly targeting women and minors, warning that such behavior often escalates into violence if unchecked. The Sana Yousaf case has amplified calls for systemic legal reforms and greater protections for vulnerable citizens.

The Senate committee has vowed to monitor the case proceedings closely, underscoring that justice for Sana Yousaf must be swift, transparent, and exemplary.