- Thursday, July 17, 2025
Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok star from Chitral, was allegedly shot dead by a relative at her Islamabad home. Police suspect an honour killing, adding to rising violence against young female influencers in Pakistan.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok influencer, Sana Yousaf, was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad on Monday, in what police suspect is a case of honour killing. The tragic incident has once again brought attention to the growing dangers faced by female influencers in conservative regions of Pakistan.
Sana Yousaf, who hailed from Upper Chitral, had gained a significant following on social media, with nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and a strong presence on TikTok. Her content celebrated Chitrali traditions, women’s rights, and educational awareness, and she was widely admired for using her platform to spread cultural pride and progressive messages.
View this post on Instagram
According to police reports cited by SAMAA TV, the killing took place at her residence in Sector G-13, Islamabad. Preliminary investigations suggest that a male relative or acquaintance approached her outside the house, engaged in a brief conversation, and was later allowed inside. Once inside, the suspect reportedly fired multiple gunshots at point-blank range, killing Sana on the spot before fleeing the scene.
Her body was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem examination. The identity of the suspect has not been officially released, and no arrests have been made yet, though a police manhunt is underway.
Police officials have confirmed that one of the possible motives being investigated is honour killing—a disturbing practice in which a family member kills a relative, often a woman, for actions they believe bring shame to the family. In many cases, the victims are punished for social media activity, romantic relationships, or other forms of perceived defiance.
Media sources say that Sana’s suspected killer might have been a guest in her home, further complicating the investigation. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and questioning family members and neighbors as they work to track down the perpetrator.
View this post on Instagram
Sana’s death has sent shockwaves across Pakistani social media, where users are mourning the loss of a promising young voice and calling for stricter protection laws for women. Her supporters have emphasized that she stood for progress, empowerment, and cultural representation—values that should not cost someone their life.
This heartbreaking case is not isolated. In a similar incident earlier this year, a 15-year-old girl named Hira was murdered in Quetta by her father and uncle for refusing to quit TikTok. The killers later confessed and were arrested by local police.
The brutal killing of Sana Yousaf highlights the urgent need to confront honour-based violence and safeguard young women who choose to speak, express, and live on their own terms in modern-day Pakistan.
