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Roya News
6 days ago
- General
- Roya News
Teen TikTok star shot dead: What we know so far
Seventeen-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf was shot and killed at her home in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday in what police and rights activists are calling a targeted act of gender-based violence. Yousaf, who had amassed over 1.1 million followers on TikTok and was known for her lip-sync videos, was reportedly shot twice in the chest and later died at the hospital. She was originally from Chitral in northern Pakistan and had recently celebrated her birthday, as seen in her last TikTok post. Police arrested a 22-year-old man from Faisalabad within 20 hours of the murder. According to Islamabad's police chief, the suspect had tried to contact Yousaf multiple times and traveled to Islamabad to see her. When she refused to meet him, he allegedly forced his way into her home and shot her during an argument. The suspect also took her phone, apparently in an attempt to destroy evidence. The murder has sparked widespread outrage, with women's rights groups, including the Aurat March and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), condemning the killing and demanding justice. 'This wasn't a random act – it was a premeditated attack by a man who couldn't take no for an answer,' said a statement from Aurat March. Sana's murder is the latest in a growing number of violent crimes targeting women in Pakistan, particularly those with a public presence online. Activists warn of a disturbing trend in which women are punished for visibility, independence, and rejecting unwanted advances. In 2024 alone, at least 346 women in Pakistan were killed in the name of 'honour,' according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan — a number that excludes many cases like Yousaf's, where the attacker was not a family member.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Who was Sana Yousaf, Pakistani TikTok star shot dead by a gunman?
Police in Pakistan's capital Islamabad have arrested a man accused of murdering a 17-year-old social media influencer, Sana Yousaf. Yousaf, who had hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, was shot dead at her home on Monday, the latest high-profile instance of suspected femicide in Pakistan. Local media reported that Yousaf was shot dead at her home in Islamabad at about 5pm (12:00 GMT), according to a police report filed by Yousaf's mother, Farzana Yousaf, seen by Pakistani news outlet, Dawn. The report added that Yousaf was shot twice in her chest and was taken to a hospital but died of her injuries. Yousaf was a social media influencer, originally from Chitral, a city about 400km (250 miles) north of Islamabad. As of Wednesday, her TikTok account had 1.1 million followers. She often posted videos of herself lip syncing to songs. The last video posted on her account is a montage of her celebrating her birthday with her friends. On Tuesday, Yousaf was buried in her ancestral graveyard in Chitral's Chuinj village, according to Dawn. On Tuesday, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Islamabad's inspector general of police (IGP), told a media briefing that the police had arrested a suspect from Faisalabad, a city about 320km (200 miles) south of Islamabad, 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,' said Rizvi. He added that the suspect took Yousaf's phone with him to 'destroy evidence', but that police had seized her phone as well as the murder weapon from the suspect. Dawn reported, quoting unnamed sources close to the investigation, that the suspect and Yousaf had known each other for one year. The suspect had travelled to Islamabad between May 28 and 29 to wish Yousaf well on her birthday, but the two could not meet, for unspecified reasons. The suspect and Yousaf then spoke by phone and decided to meet on June 2. When the suspect reached Yousaf's house, she did not come out. However, he still managed to enter and an argument ensued, escalating into Yousaf's murder. Yousaf's parents were not at home when the murder took place, but her aunt was present. The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), a statutory body established to examine government policies affecting women, has demanded a detailed investigation into the crime. '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,' said NCSW chairperson Ume Laila Azhar. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the suspect's arrest in an X post on Tuesday. 'Police has recovered the pistol and the i phone [iPhone] of the deceased girl and accused has confessed the murder as well,' he wrote. Al Jazeera has not been able to independently confirm whether the suspect has confessed to killing Yousaf. Aurat March, the feminist group which organises Pakistan's largest annual women's march in multiple cities – usually coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8 – posted a statement on Tuesday. 'We, the Aurat March chapters across the country, demand justice for Sana a 17-year-old girl and TikToker who tragically lost her life to patriarchal violence,' the account wrote in the caption. 'Patriarchy feels most threatened when women & gender minorities claim voice and visibility in public by challenging the stand pat norms. In response, it turns to violence the ultimate tool to silence, control, and erase. 'This is exactly what happened to Sana who was killed inside her own home by a violent man who couldn't take no for an answer. This wasn't a random hit, this was a planned attack where a minor girl's privacy and home were invaded by a man who thought he would get away with it.' Actor Mahira Khan also posted a story on Instagram, sharing the news of Yousaf's murder. 'Disgusted to the core,' Khan wrote in the caption. In recent years, several incidents have occurred involving young women being subject to violent crimes at the hands of men they know. Many of these women also had a social media presence on platforms such as TikTok. '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,' Nighat Dad, the executive director of a nongovernmental, research-based advocacy organisation, Digital Rights Foundation, told Al Jazeera. 'These are not isolated incidents. What connects them is a culture where women are punished for visibility, independence, and saying no. 'At the heart of this pattern is fragile masculinity and deeply rooted misogyny. When young women assert boundaries or say no to romantic or sexual advances, it bruises the male ego, especially in a society that teaches men entitlement over women's bodies and choices. This entitlement, when left unchecked by law, culture, and platforms, turns deadly,' Dad added. On January 28, a man named Anwar ul-Haq was charged with murder after he confessed to shooting his 14-year-old daughter Hira Anwar in Quetta, a city in Pakistan's southwest. The man, who had recently moved his family back to Pakistan from the US, told the police he found TikTok videos made by his daughter 'objectionable'. His daughter had been posting videos to the social platform before she had moved to Pakistan with her family. In October 2024, police in Pakistan's southern city Karachi said they had arrested a man for killing four members of his family. The four women, aged 60, 21, 20, 20 and 12 were found with slit throats in separate rooms of their apartment, according to the police. In 2022, Pakistani American woman Sania Khan was 29 when she was shot and killed by her former husband, Raheel Ahmad, in Chicago after she had posted about her divorce on her TikTok account. When the police arrived, Ahmad, 36 at the time, shot himself with the gun he used to kill Khan. Possibly the most high-profile murder case of a Pakistani woman took place in 2016, when social media star Qandeel Baloch was killed by her brother when she was 26 years old. 'Women who are visible online, particularly those who challenge social norms or exist outside the mold of respectability politics, face disproportionate abuse and threats,' Dad said. 'The backlash isn't just digital, it's physical. When platforms fail to act against hate and harassment, they enable a culture where violence becomes the consequence of women simply being seen and heard.' In all, 346 women in Pakistan were killed in 2024 in the name of 'honour', up from 324 in 2023, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). But this statistic likely does not include cases like Yousaf's, where the accused man is not from the victim's family and committed murder after his advances were rejected. In July 2021, 27-year-old Noor Mukadam was killed in Islamabad by Zahir Jaffar, whose family was known to Mukadam's. In 2022, a judge sentenced Jaffar to death for the rape, murder and beheading of Mukadam. Last week, Pakistan's Supreme Court upheld Jaffar's death penalty. 'We need systemic change. The state must treat online misogyny and gender-based violence as connected threats and not separate issues,' Dad said. 'When a woman says no, and a man responds with violence, that's not heartbreak, it's abuse.'
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
A child welfare law
EDITORIAL: The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday marks a significant step in protecting rights of children, adding momentum to reform efforts subsequent to a similar law enacted by Sindh back in 2013. Raising the minimum legal marriage age to 18 years for both genders, the legislation introduces stringent penalties for those facilitating underage marriages and also classifies sexual relations with minors as statutory rape. It's been warmly welcomed by children and women's rights advocates. UNICEF Pakistan launched a video campaign on Thursday featuring its National Ambassador for Child Rights, famous film and TV star Saba Qamar. In it, she raises a crucial question: 'Why any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage and a future they did not choose?' Qamar also emphasises that with all the risks to their health and education, the practice should not be allowed to go unchallenged. The National Commission on the Status of Women has also hailed the law, noting the amendment is based on extensive consultations and the legal principle that marriage, a legally binding contract, must meet the same foundational requirements as other civil contracts. In simple words, the two parties to a matrimonial agreement should be able to fully fathom the implications of what they would be getting into. This affirms the familiar and forceful arguments that if under-18 people cannot obtain a national identity card, a driving licence, or serve in the armed forces because they are deemed too immature to make sound decisions the same should apply to a more serious business of getting married. All the more so, considering that such marriages have lifelong effects on physical and mental development as well as health of underage brides. The UNICEF points out that Pakistan has one of the highest numbers of child brides in the world, with an estimated 19 million girls married before age 18. Half of them become pregnant before their 18th birthday, posing serious health risks to both mother and child. Besides, only 13 percent of married girls finish secondary school compared to 44 percent of unmarried peers, limiting opportunities for betterment in the future. Not surprisingly, the new law has drawn criticism from religious parties and like-minded entities. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), in its advisory capacity to Parliament on Islamic issues, has taken exception to the legislation, saying Islam permits marriage upon reaching puberty and thus setting a fixed minimum age for it is un-Islamic. It is pertinent to recall here that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act was challenged in the Federal Shariat Court. And the court had upheld the law, declaring that setting a minimum age for marriage was not against the injunctions of Islam. The way forward, clearly, is to reconcile religious interpretations with contemporary socio-legal norms and needs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Insights and Challenges
Listen to article As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it's an appropriate moment for Pakistan to not only reflect on the progress made in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, but also confront the institutional barriers that remain firmly in place. The Beijing Platform, adopted in 1995, offered a blueprint for transforming global gender norms, with particular focus on areas like education, economic participation, health, violence against women, and political representation. For Pakistan, the journey has been mixed, and while there are achievements worth acknowledging, the path forward demands deeper institutional commitment to address the systemic challenges that still restrict the true realization of gender equality. In Pakistan, gender equality has been a key feature of public policy for decades, but entrenched patriarchal systems and deeply rooted cultural norms continue to hinder the effective implementation of progressive laws and policies. To fully honor the Beijing Declaration, Pakistan must not only be a signatory to international commitments but also translate those commitments into action, particularly through strengthening institutions that play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality. National Institutions: Progress and Pitfalls Over the years, Pakistan's government has made efforts to integrate gender equality into its national policy framework. Notable steps include the National Policy for Women's Empowerment (2002), the establishment of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which has empowered economically marginalized women by providing direct financial assistance. Yet, these efforts are often inconsistent, and their reach is limited. Rural Pakistan, in particular, remains a stark example of how gender-based inequalities are compounded by a combination of cultural conservatism and limited institutional infrastructure. Despite the existence of policies, the deep-seated nature of gender discrimination means that in many areas of the country, land inheritance and access to education remain heavily gendered. Women's representation in politics, although growing, is still constrained by structural barriers that prevent them from achieving real political influence. The case of Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan, is both a success and a cautionary tale. Bhutto's leadership was a milestone in the country's history and a testament to the potential of women's political leadership. However, her tenure also exposed the limits of institutional support and the persistence of patriarchal structures. While Benazir Bhutto's political ascent was an anomaly in the context of Pakistan's male-dominated political culture, her inability to overcome these entrenched systems in her lifetime highlights just how far Pakistan has yet to go in creating a truly inclusive and gender-sensitive political environment. International Commitments: Progress on Paper, Not Always in Practice On the international stage, Pakistan has often aligned itself with global frameworks such as the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include specific commitments to gender equality. The Beijing+30 review emphasizes the need for global collaboration to advance gender equality, and institutions like UN Women have been crucial in providing technical support and advocacy for women's rights in Pakistan. However, the disconnect between global commitments and national realities persists. International frameworks cannot simply be imposed from the top down; they must be coupled with localized efforts that are responsive to the complex socio-political and cultural landscape of Pakistan. While Pakistan is a signatory to these agreements, there remains a significant gap in translating the language of global conventions into practical, on-the-ground policies that address the everyday challenges women face, particularly in rural or underserved regions. The Role of Civil Society and the Private Sector In Pakistan, civil society organizations and the private sector have played an increasingly important role in addressing gender equality. Women's rights activists, NGOs, and community-based organizations are engaged in a multi-pronged effort to break down social norms and challenge the status quo. Groups like Aurat Foundation and Bedari continue to advocate for legal reforms and provide crucial support for women, while microfinance programs such as those spearheaded by Kashf Foundation offer financial independence to rural women. However, these grassroots efforts often face resistance, both from patriarchal structures and state institutions that are either indifferent or actively hostile to gender equality initiatives. Pakistan's private sector, though growing in its support for gender equality through CSR initiatives, still faces significant challenges, including gender pay gaps, discriminatory workplace practices, and a lack of opportunity for women in senior leadership roles. Companies like Unilever Pakistan and Engro Corporation have made important strides, but the overall progress remains slow. The private sector's involvement in financial inclusion—including initiatives like mobile banking and microcredit—has been one of the more successful areas of gender empowerment in Pakistan. Women are increasingly gaining access to resources and credit, allowing them to start small businesses and gain economic independence. But again, these efforts are often piecemeal and require stronger institutional support to truly reach those most in need. Case Studies from Developing Countries: Lessons for Pakistan Pakistan's gender equality journey can benefit from the experiences of other developing countries that have seen measurable progress in women's empowerment. For instance, Rwanda stands out for its strong political will to ensure gender parity in governance. With a parliament that has the highest percentage of female representatives globally—61%—Rwanda's success story demonstrates that political representation is key to transforming broader societal attitudes toward women. The establishment of the Gender Monitoring Office ensures that gender-sensitive policies are integrated across various sectors, from health to education to economic development. This is a clear example of how institutional commitment and policy reform can create lasting change. India has made significant strides through grassroots movements like Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which provide rural women with financial resources, training, and leadership opportunities. These groups have proven particularly effective in promoting economic empowerment while also creating platforms for women to engage in political and social decision-making. In Brazil, the Maria da Penha Law has been a game-changer in the battle against domestic violence. Backed by government support and civil society involvement, this law has made it easier for women to report violence, access legal remedies, and receive protection. The National Women's Institute in Mexico has similarly worked to integrate gender-responsive policies into the national agenda, with tangible results in health, education, and economic participation for women. These countries show that when there is a concerted effort at both the national and grassroots level—backed by legal reforms, public policy, and political will—substantial progress can be made. Pakistan, despite its unique challenges, can draw inspiration from these successes and adapt their best practices to its own context. The Way Forward: A Call to Action As Pakistan reflects on the Beijing+30 milestone, it must commit to translating the ideals of gender equality into tangible, everyday actions. For real progress to occur, national institutions must be strengthened, laws must be enforced with consistency, and gender-sensitive policies must be integrated into every aspect of public life—from education and healthcare to economic participation and political representation. The private sector, civil society, and international partners have a crucial role to play in supporting this transformation, but it is ultimately political will and institutional reform that will ensure gender equality becomes more than a lofty aspiration. The Beijing+30 review is not just an occasion to take stock of past achievements but an urgent call to address the persistent challenges that continue to undermine women's rights in Pakistan. The path ahead demands collective action, sustained commitment, and a willingness to challenge the structures of power that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. Pakistan must not only sign the agreements but implement them—it's time to turn words into action.
Express Tribune
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel calls for women's rights reforms
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming on Tuesday urged the immediate establishment of the National Commission on the Status of Women at the federal level. It also called for the formation of provincial commissions and Gender Mainstreaming Committees to ensure the enforcement of equal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Chaired by MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, the committee recommended the development of consistent and synchronized data to support gender mainstreaming and reporting at national and international levels. Expressing concern over the lack of implementation of the 10% quota for women in civil services, the committee noted that only 49,508 out of 1.2 million government employees are women, with most occupying lower-grade positions. The panel stressed the urgent need for both federal and provincial governments to establish institutional frameworks to address gender disparities in education, health, employment, and political participation. Additionally, the committee recommended that budget allocations for development schemes should be non-discriminatory between members elected on general and reserved seats.
