A 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok star who advocated for women’s rights was murdered at her home by a man she had repeatedly rejected online, shocking the nation and sparking outcry over violence against women.
At a Glance
- Sana Yousaf, a TikTok star with 1.5 million followers, was shot and killed in her Islamabad home
- The suspect, a 22-year-old unemployed man who she had repeatedly rejected, was arrested within 20 hours
- The murder weapon and victim’s stolen phone were recovered by police
- The killing has triggered demands for justice and highlighted the pattern of violence against women in Pakistan
- In 2024 alone, 346 women were killed in Pakistan in the name of “honor”
Social Media Star Gunned Down After Rejections
Sana Yousaf, a rising social media personality known for her advocacy of women’s rights in Pakistan, was fatally shot at her residence in Islamabad. The 17-year-old influencer, who had amassed 1.5 million followers on TikTok and a substantial Instagram presence, was shot twice in the chest by an intruder who entered her home. According to police reports, the suspect, who had been loitering outside her residence, confronted Yousaf before shooting her and fleeing with her phone.
Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that swift action led to the arrest of a 22-year-old unemployed man within 20 hours of the murder. “The accused is a 22-year-old unemployed man who repeatedly attempted to contact the victim. Upon her refusal to respond, he committed the murder,” Rizvi stated. The murder weapon and Yousaf’s stolen phone were recovered during the arrest. Authorities noted that the suspect had known Yousaf for approximately a year and had made numerous attempts to contact her.
Family Devastated, No Prior Threats
Syed Yousaf Hassan, the victim’s father, revealed that Sana was his only daughter and had not mentioned any threats before her tragic death. The murder occurred while Sana’s aunt was present in the home, who was also threatened by the assailant during the attack. Following her death, Sana was laid to rest in Chitral, approximately 250 miles from Islamabad where the murder took place. In a haunting twist, a scheduled TikTok post appeared on her account after her death, showing the teenager celebrating her 17th birthday with friends.
The murder has sparked widespread concern and placed significant pressure on authorities to ensure justice is served. Pakistan’s Interior Minister has confirmed the arrest and recovery of evidence, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation. The National Commission on the Status of Women has also called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Yousaf’s death.
Outcry Against Violence Toward Women
Yousaf’s murder has ignited outrage across Pakistan, with feminist groups and public figures demanding accountability and systemic change. The killing highlights a disturbing pattern of violence against women in the country, particularly those with a visible social media presence. Activists point to the alarming statistic that 346 women were killed in Pakistan in 2024 alone in the name of “honor,” underscoring the persistent issue of femicide in the nation.
“Sana Yousaf’s murder is part of a horrifying, ongoing pattern of violence against women in Pakistan, especially those who dare to exist with autonomy. These are not isolated incidents. What connects them is a culture where women are punished for visibility, independence, and saying no,” stated Nighat Dad.
Women’s rights advocates are calling for concrete action to address online misogyny and gender-based violence in Pakistan. Ume Laila Azhar emphasized, “We will not let this case be buried under social stigma, false narratives of honour, or procedural loopholes. This senseless killing highlights the vulnerability of women and girls, even in their own homes. We demand justice for Sana and her family, and expect the state to ensure accountability of the perpetrators.” The tragedy has become a rallying point for those seeking to combat the culture of impunity surrounding violence against women in Pakistan.
