A 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok star who championed women’s rights was murdered in her home by a man she repeatedly rejected online, as authorities rush to bring her killer to justice.
At a Glance
- Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer with 1.5 million followers, was shot dead in her Islamabad home
- A 22-year-old unemployed man who had been rejected by Yousaf was arrested within 20 hours of the murder
- The suspect shot her twice in the chest after entering her home, then stole her phone before fleeing
- The murder has sparked outrage across Pakistan and renewed calls for better protections for women
- In 2024 alone, 346 women were killed in Pakistan in the name of “honor”
Murder of a Rising Social Media Star
Sana Yousaf, a popular TikTok personality known for advocating women’s rights in Pakistan, was fatally shot at her Islamabad residence. The 17-year-old influencer, who had amassed 1.5 million followers on the platform, was killed by an intruder who fired twice into her chest. Law enforcement officials quickly mobilized after the shocking crime, apprehending a suspect within hours.
The murder has sent ripples through Pakistani society, highlighting the dangers women face both online and in their daily lives in a country where violence against females remains a persistent problem.
Authorities revealed the suspect is a 22-year-old unemployed man who had known Yousaf for approximately a year. According to police reports, he had made numerous attempts to contact her, which she consistently rejected. This rejection appears to have motivated the deadly attack. After shooting Yousaf, the perpetrator stole her mobile phone and fled the scene, but investigators were able to recover both the murder weapon and the stolen device after his arrest.
Swift Justice and Family Grief
Pakistan’s Interior Minister confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of critical evidence. The swift police action came amid intense public pressure and outcry over the killing. Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi provided details about the investigation, stating, “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.” The murder weapon and Yousaf’s phone were secured as evidence, strengthening the case against the alleged killer.
“The boy was trying to reach out to her time and again. It was a gruesome and cold-blooded murder.”, said Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
Sana’s father, Syed Yousaf Hassan, revealed she was his only daughter and had never mentioned any threats before her murder. The young influencer’s aunt was present during the attack and was reportedly threatened by the suspect. Following her death, Sana was laid to rest in Chitral, approximately 250 miles from Islamabad. In a heartbreaking coincidence, a scheduled TikTok post appeared on her account after her death, showing the teen celebrating her 17th birthday with friends.
Pakistan’s Crisis of Violence Against Women
The National Commission on the Status of Women has called for a thorough investigation into Yousaf’s death. Women’s rights activists have pointed to her murder as part of a broader, disturbing pattern of violence against women in Pakistan, particularly those who maintain a social media presence. The crime has ignited renewed calls for systemic change to address the country’s persistent problems with online misogyny and gender-based violence.
“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.”, said Nighat Dad.
Statistics reveal the alarming scope of the problem: in 2024 alone, 346 women were killed in Pakistan in so-called “honor killings.” Women’s rights advocates insist Yousaf’s murder must not be forgotten or dismissed. Ume Laila Azhar of the National Commission on the Status of Women 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.” The tragedy underscores the challenges women face in Pakistan, where simply asserting independence can tragically lead to deadly consequences.
