Pakistan TikTok star Sana Yousaf shot dead at home – DW – 06/03/2025
Islamabad police have launched a murder probe after a teenage social media influencer was shot dead in her home. The news has reignited fears about the safety of women, particularly those in the public eye.
Police in Islamabad on Tuesday were investigating the killing of 17-year-old Sana Yousaf after she was found shot dead in her home.
The killing of the popular teenager, who had more than a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, has raised renewed concerns over the safety of online personalities in Pakistan, particularly young women.
What we know about the case
Police were said to have filed a case against an unidentified suspect after a complaint by Yousaf's mother,
"The murder occurred within the victim's residence and seems to have been carried out by someone she was acquainted with," Station House Officer Malik Asif from the Sumbal Police Station confirmed to DW.
"The suspect was a familiar guest, indicating a personal relationship between them," said Asif.
The news website Dawn cited early police information that a man entered the family's home at around 5 p.m. on Monday and shot Sana twice in the chest.
She was rushed to the hospital but died from her injuries. The suspect was said to have fled the scene and remains to be publicly identified.
The mother said the suspect had a "smart appearance, moderate physique and height," and was dressed in a black shirt and pants.
She said that both she and her sister-in-law, who was visiting, had witnessed the incident and would be able to identify the suspect in person.
Her mother added that her 15-year-old son was not present at the house as he had gone to their native village while her sister-in-law was visiting them for a few days.
Who was Sarah Yousaf?
Yousaf was widely known on social media for her short videos and lifestyle content. She had nearly 800,000 followers on TikTok and close to 500,000 on Instagram.
Why Pakistan can't stop child marriages
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She gained popularity for content about culture, women's rights, and youth empowerment.
Her videos often featured humorous reels, inspirational messages, and cultural insights that resonated with with her young audience.
After her death, tributes appeared on social media platforms with the hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf trending and fans and activists demanding a thorough investigation.
The news comes amid growing conversations about the safety of women, particularly those in the public eye, and the challenges faced by female content creators in the country.
In January, a man who had recently returned to Pakistan from the United States with his family confessed to killing his 15-year-old daughter over her TikTok content.
More than 54 million people use TikTok in Pakistan, where authorities have repeatedly blocked the app over content concerns. It was banned four times in 2021 alone. The platform is currently accessible, operating under strict moderation and complying with takedown requests.
Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher
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