Murder of 17-Year-Old Pakistani TikToker in Islamabad; Cousin Identified as Shooter
Islamabad-In a shocking incident, 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousuf from Chitral was shot dead in Islamabad. According to police reports, the shooter was her paternal cousin who had come to their home. Sana was struck by two bullets and died at the scene. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the murder.
Weezharoz-The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Pakistani social media and reignited concerns about violence against women and girls.
Background: Rising Violence Against Female TikTokers in Pakistan
In recent years, several incidents of violence targeting women active on social media have been reported in Pakistan.
In January 2025, 15-year-old Hira Anwar, born in the U.S., was killed by her father in Quetta for posting TikTok videos he disapproved of. Police categorized it as an honor killing.
In another case from February 2021, four TikTokers, including a woman, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Karachi.
Police stated that all victims were active on social media, suggesting a possible personal motive.
These events have amplified concerns about the safety of women in digital spaces and the cultural backlash they face in conservative segments of Pakistani society.
Human rights activists and social media users have called for stronger protections for women online and stricter laws against gender-based violence.
As investigations into Sana Yousuf’s murder continue, the case highlights deeper cultural, social, and legal challenges surrounding women’s presence and freedom of expression on social media in Pakistan.
Weezharoz
