IHC reserves verdict on plea for transfer of TikToker Sana Yousaf murder trial

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Apr, 2026) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by accused Umar Hayat, who sought transfer of his trial from the Model Court, citing lack of confidence in the trial court proceedings.

Chief Justice, Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogra, heard the petition, which raised concerns over the conduct of the trial court judge in the high-profile TikToker Sania Yousaf murder case.

During hearing, the petitioner's counsel, along with the State counsel and Sardar Muhammad Qadir Advocate representing the complainant, appeared before the court. Upon inquiry by the court, the lawyer informed that a report had been submitted. "What does the report say?" the Chief Justice remarked. "The case is with the Model Court — that court will proceed expeditiously."

The counsel for the accused, Umar Hayat, argued that the trial court's conduct had been inappropriate. "We never sought adjournments. The court could have appointed a State counsel and allowed immediate cross-examination," he submitted.

He further alleged that the trial court used language against counsel that could not be uttered in an open court. "We request that the previously conducted cross-examination be set aside and we be granted the right to cross-examine witnesses afresh. We have no confidence in the trial court; the case should be transferred to any other court," the counsel pleaded.

In response, Sardar Muhammad Qadir, counsel for the complainant, informed the court that ten months had passed in the trial.

"Primary witnesses have already recorded their statements. In six months, they have cross-examined only two witnesses," he said.

He noted that Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro's court had previously issued a detailed judgment on the matter. "To this day, cross-examination has not been completed. The trial court is a Model Court and has extended them every possible facility," the complainant's counsel argued.

When the Chief Justice asked why the petitioner had approached the IHC, the counsel responded that they had come against the trial court's behavior and its decision to proceed in their absence. He added that they had also filed an application before the trial court, which was dismissed.

"The trial court appointed a State counsel on the spot and ordered cross-examination within one hour. My counsel was unwell, at least one opportunity should have been granted," he pleaded.

The complainant's counsel countered that the accused had been given numerous opportunities but sought adjournments repeatedly, and had also raised objections against the trial judge.

The Chief Justice observed, "If you come here, you should inform that court as well. The counsel's conduct is not clear. The court has no connection or bias with the other party. It is a Model Court, and there is also a Supreme Court judgment on the matter."

After hearing arguments from all parties, the court reserved its verdict on the petition seeking transfer of the trial.