TikTok Star Sana Yousaf’s Murder in Pakistan Sparks Outrage

Spread love

Honour Killing Suspected in TikTok Star Sana Yousaf’s Murder in Islamabad

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 3, 2025 – The brutal murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf in her home in Islamabad’s G-13 sector has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, igniting widespread outrage and demands for justice.

The young influencer, hailing from Chitral in the Hindukush region, was fatally shot by a masked assailant on Monday, in an incident that highlighted the growing dangers faced by women and social media personalities in Pakistan.

While a suspect has been arrested, the tragedy has stoked a national conversation about safety, gender-based violence, and the need for systemic change.

Sana Yousaf, a popular TikToker with a following of 740,000, was shot at close range inside her home in Sector G-13-1, under the jurisdiction of the Sumbal police station. According to The Express Tribune, the unidentified assailant entered her house, spoke with her, and then opened fire before fleeing the scene. Her body was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem examination.

The News reported that the incident occurred while most of Sana’s family members were absent, with only her aunt present at the time. The accused had allegedly come to meet Sana, firing two shots that resulted in her death.

The murder has struck a chord on social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf trending as netizens express their grief and anger. Afrasiab Khattak posted on X: “The brutal murder of Sana Yousaf is shocking. The young girl from the Hindukush was exploring life and seeking innocent joy without harming anyone. That she was murdered in Islamabad adds to the shock. Will the culprit of this heinous crime be brought to book?”

Pakistani women activists wondered in their posts on X whether justice will be served in a country where crimes against women often go unpunished.

Swift Police Action, But Questions Remain

In a rare display of efficiency, the Islamabad Police traced the case within 20 hours, arresting a suspect and recovering the murder weapon—a pistol—along with the deceased’s iPhone. Details about the motive and the suspect’s identity remain scarce, leaving many to speculate about the circumstances that led to this tragedy.

Despite the arrest, skepticism about the judicial process persists. The activists also recalled the high-profile 2021 murder case of Noor Muqadam, where justice was delayed, reflecting a broader distrust in Pakistan’s legal system.

A National Outcry and Systemic Issues

Sana’s murder has reignited discussions about gender-based violence in Pakistan, a country that ranks 145th out of 146 nations in the Gender Gap Index 2024.

The News also drew parallels to a similar incident in Sialkot last year, where a brother killed his sister over her TikTok videos, highlighting the risks faced by women who gain visibility on social media platforms.

Local media and activists have called for systemic reforms to address these issues. A 2021 report by PMC noted that “gender-based violence against women is rooted in the patriarchal interpretations of religion in Pakistan,” with rural areas particularly affected due to cultural restrictions and lack of access to support systems. The report also highlighted the scarcity of female police officers—only 1.5% as of April 2021—making it difficult for victims to seek help without facing gender-discriminatory behavior.

Community Mourns a Rising Star

Sana, who had recently celebrated her 17th birthday, was a rising star on TikTok, where she shared content that resonated with a large audience. Her family, who had lived in the US for 25 years before returning to Pakistan, resided in Islamabad, where her father worked as a government officer. Her 15-year-old brother was visiting their hometown of Chitral at the time of the incident, having just completed his school exams.

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn