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Mint
4 days ago
- General
- Mint
Who was Sana Yousaf, 17-year-old Pakistani influencer killed for 'rejecting man'
Seventeen-year-old TikTok creator Sana Yousaf was shot dead at her home in Islamabad's Sector G-13 on Sunday. According to police sources cited by SAMAA TV, the attacker was a guest at her residence. After speaking with her briefly outside, he entered the house and shot her twice at close range, killing her instantly. The suspect fled the scene immediately, and was later arrested. Umar Hayat, a 22-year-old man, was apprehended for the murder of the Pakistani TikTok star. He was tracked down and captured in Faisalabad, over 300 kilometres from Islamabad. Read | Punjab YouTuber tried to erase traces of his links with Pakistanis after Jyoti Malhotra's arrest: Top cop Born on June 2, 2008 in Upper Chitral, a remote region in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Sana belonged to a family of activists. Her father is a well-known local campaigner. Sana built a strong social media presence by blending Chitrali folk music, traditional dress, and dance with outspoken support for girls' education and women's rights. She gained a large following on TikTok and Instagram, crossing half a million followers. Though still in her first year of medical school, Sana's content was seen as a challenge to conventional norms. Her personality led to comparisons with actress Hania Aamir. Read | Pakistani TikToker Imsha Rehman: 'Viral video ruined my life,' influencer explains why she has remained silent Her 'gruesome and cold-blooded' murder was driven by rejection and obsession, according to the police. "It was a case of repeated rejections. The boy was trying to reach out to her time and again," Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said during a news conference. "It was a gruesome and cold-blooded murder," Rizvi added. Speaking at a press conference on May 3, Rizvi said that 22-year-old Umar Hayat had tried many times to contact Sana after she turned him down. He wanted to be friends with the TikTok star and even showed up at her birthday party on May 29. 'Umar tried to meet her for seven to eight hours but failed,' the IG said. On the day of the murder, he again waited outside her home for several hours. After being rejected once more, Umar forced his way into the house and shot Sana. Sana's death is part of a disturbing trend. In January, a 15-year-old girl named Hira was allegedly murdered in Quetta by her father and maternal uncle for refusing to quit TikTok. According to ARY News, both men were arrested and confessed. In 2016, social media personality Qandeel Baloch was strangled to death by her brother in a case that sparked international outrage and a national debate on women's rights in Pakistan. These incidents raise alarm about growing violence against young women who are visible online. Critics say such acts aim to silence self-expression and reinforce outdated notions of 'honour'. News of Sana's death triggered widespread anger and sorrow on social media. Hashtags like #JusticeForSanaYousaf and #StopHonourKillings began trending on X (formerly Twitter). One user pointed out, 'She died on her birthday,' while another wrote, 'Justice must be swift and firm.' Women's rights group Aurat March Pakistan issued a strong statement: 'The murder of Sana Yousaf is not just a personal tragedy—it is a reflection of a systemic failure to protect women who dare to live with autonomy and pride.' There is rising concern that women who find digital fame face increasing danger, especially in conservative communities. Sana's killing has once again put the spotlight on Pakistan's honour killing laws and the lack of effective enforcement. While laws exist on paper, their real-world implementation remains weak. Her videos were full of colour, courage, and joy. Her sudden silence now speaks volumes.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Who was Sana Yousaf? Teen TikTok influencer shot dead on her birthday in Pakistan
Seventeen-year-old TikTok creator Sana Yousaf was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad's Sector G-13 on 1 June 2025. According to police sources quoted by SAMAA TV, the assailant was a guest at her house. After a brief conversation outside, the man entered the home and shot her twice at close range. She died instantly. The suspect fled immediately. 'Sana Yousuf, who hailed from Upper Chitral and resided in Sector G-13 of Islamabad, was fatally shot by a guest who had come to visit her at her residence. The assailant fled the scene immediately after the incident, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect,' a police officer told local media. Her body was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem. The motive has not been confirmed, but investigators suspect the killing may have been honour-related. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning. Who was Sana Yousaf? Born on 2 June 2008 in Upper Chitral, a mountainous region in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Sana came from a family of activists. Her father is a known local campaigner. She had carved out a digital space for herself, blending traditional Chitrali folk music, attire, and dance with bold advocacy for girls' education and women's agency. Her videos, widely shared on TikTok and Instagram, resonated with Pakistan's Gen Z. Her following surpassed half a million. Though still a first-year medical student, Sana's content was seen as a form of resistance against societal expectations. She was often compared to actress Hania Aamir for her spirited personality. Live Events She wasn't just performing—she was pushing back. Suspected honour killing under probe Investigators are now focusing on whether Sana's online presence and lifestyle triggered backlash from relatives or others in her community. Police confirmed that the suspect knew her and spoke with her before the killing. The case is being handled under the jurisdiction of Sumbal Police Station in Islamabad. Speaking to The Express Tribune, officials said, 'The killer reportedly entered the house and opened fire before fleeing the scene.' No official identity for the assailant has been released yet. The case echoes other incidents in Pakistan where young women have been murdered over perceived slights to family honour, particularly tied to social media use. A pattern of violence against female influencers Sana's death is not an isolated case. In January, 15-year-old Hira from Quetta was allegedly killed by her father and maternal uncle for refusing to quit TikTok. Anwarul-Haq, her father, had returned from the US and reportedly conspired with his brother-in-law to carry out the murder. Both men were arrested and confessed, according to ARY News. And in 2016, Pakistan saw one of its most high-profile honour killings when social media personality Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother. Her case made global headlines and ignited a debate on women's freedom in Pakistan. Each case leaves a chilling mark. It sends a message that expression can be fatal. Public outcry and demands for justice Social media platforms were flooded with grief and anger after the news broke. The hashtags #JusticeForSanaYousaf and #StopHonourKillings trended across Pakistani Twitter (X). One user wrote, 'She died on her birthday,' while another posted, 'Justice must be swift and firm.' Women's rights group Aurat March Pakistan issued a statement: 'The murder of Sana Yousaf is not just a personal tragedy—it is a reflection of a systemic failure to protect women who dare to live with autonomy and pride.' There is growing concern that such killings are becoming more frequent, especially targeting young women who gain digital visibility. Sana Yousaf's death has once again brought Pakistan's honour killing laws and women's rights enforcement under scrutiny. Though legislation exists, implementation remains patchy. And when influencers like Sana take up space online, they become targets. Her videos were filled with joy, defiance, and colour. Her silence now speaks volumes. The investigation continues. Police say they are working to identify and apprehend the killer. But many in Pakistan fear that unless real protection is offered to women—both online and offline—Sana will not be the last to fall.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Who was Sana Yousaf? 17-year-old Pakistani TikToker shot dead in Islamabad
Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old influencer with a strong digital presence on TikTok and Instagram, was shot dead at her residence in Islamabad on Monday, according to media reports. Sana Yousaf was shot at close range by an unidentified assailant, who was a visitor at her home. The attacker could have been a relative, according to SAMAA TV, which reported that the influencer had been 'fatally shot by a guest'. 'The killer reportedly entered the house and opened fire before fleeing the scene,' a report in The Express Tribune stated. The body of the influencer, who succumbed to her injuries on the spot, was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem. While a police investigation is underway to apprehend the attacker, no arrests have been made in the case so far. While the motive for the killing remains unclear, the police are probing all angles, including that of honour killing, reports suggest. The incident, which took place within the Sumbal police station jurisdiction, comes on the back of a growing number of such cases in Pakistan recently. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with #JusticeForSanaYousuf trending on Instagram and X. 'Sana Yousaf's murder is a stark reminder of the dangers women face, both online and offline. We must demand justice and ensure no more lives are lost this way,' an X user posted on the influencer's death. 'She deserved to live. To thrive. To speak,' another user wrote.
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First Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Who is Kashish Chaudhary, Balochistan's first Hindu woman assistant commissioner?
Kashish Chaudhary, a 25-year-old Pakistani Hindu woman, has made history as the first female from the minority community in Balochistan to be appointed assistant commissioner in the restive province. She has expressed her goal to work towards women's progress, support minority communities, and contribute to the province's overall development read more On Monday, Kashish and her father, Girdhari Lal, met Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta. Image: X/@dpr_gob A 25-year-old Pakistani Hindu woman has made history by becoming the first female from the minority community in Balochistan to be appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in the restive province. Kashish Chaudhary earned the role after clearing the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Catch India Pakistan tensions live updates . On Monday, Kashish and her father, Girdhari Lal, travelled to Quetta to meet Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti. So, who is Kashish Chaudhary, and how did she reach this point? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a look at her journey. Who is Kashish Chaudhary? The 25-year-old has made history by becoming the first woman from the Pakistani Hindu minority in Balochistan to be appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in the province. She belongs to Noshki, a remote town in Chagai district, and earned the position after passing the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. On Monday, Kashish and her father, Girdhari Lal, met Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta. During the meeting, she shared her aim to work for the progress of women, support minority communities, and help in the overall development of the province. 'It is a matter of great pride for me that my daughter has become an assistant commissioner due to her hard work and commitment,' Lal told reporters. Lal, who works as a mid-level trader, said his daughter had always wanted to study and make a difference in the lives of women. Chief Minister Bugti said it was a proud moment for the country when people from minority communities reached such positions through dedication and effort. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Kashish is a symbol of pride for the nation and Balochistan,' he said. In a conversation with SAMAA TV, Kashish stated that her preparation took three years, with at least eight hours of study each day. 'Discipline, hard work, and the desire to contribute to society have driven me throughout this journey,' she said. A part of growing minority community Kashish has carved out her place among several Hindu women in Pakistan who have made their mark in male-dominated professions, breaking social, religious, and cultural barriers to reach important positions. In recent years, more women from the Hindu community have stepped into roles that were once considered out of reach. She belongs to Noshki, a remote town in Chagai district. Image: X In July 2022, Manisha Ropeta became the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Superintendent of Police in Karachi, where she continues to serve. Pushpa Kumari Kohli, a 35-year-old sub-inspector in Karachi, said that Hindu women have the ability and determination to succeed. 'I also passed the Sindh police Public Services Examination. There are many more Hindu girls out there waiting to educate themselves and become something,' Kohli, who belongs to a scheduled caste, said. Suman Pawan Bodani continues to serve as a civil judge in Pakistan's Hyderabad, after being first appointed in her hometown of Shahdadkot in Sindh in 2019. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sindh politician Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said that with family support, many young Hindu girls have shown a strong will to study and take up higher education, PTI reported. 'Our young women are doing us proud. We have doctors, civil servants, police officers, etc in Sindh,' he said. He also pointed out that while Sindh has seen issues like the abduction and forced conversion of young Hindu girls, improving education facilities for the Hindu community could help address these problems. Hindus make up the largest minority group in Pakistan. As per official data, about 75 lakh Hindus live in the country. However, the community estimates the number to be over 90 lakh. Most of Pakistan's Hindu population lives in Sindh province. With inputs from agencies
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
India blocks Pakistan ex-PM Imran's Instagram account
New Delhi widened tit-for-tat measures against Islamabad on Saturday, blocking access to the social media accounts of Pakistani politicians, actors and cricketers. On social media, India banned on April 28 more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading 'provocative' content, including Pakistani news outlets. On Saturday, further restrictions blocked access in India to the Instagram account of Pakistan's ex-prime minister and cricket captain Imran Khan. The YouTube account of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also banned in India. Bollywood movie regulars Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam were also off limits, as well as a wide range of cricketers — including star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and retired players Shahid Afridi and Wasim Akram. The Instagram accounts of major Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Ayeza Khan, Mahira Khan, Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas, lara Aziz and Ali Zafar, are no longer accessible to users in India. Actor and singer Ali Zafar's social media accounts is also banned in India. Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem's Instagram account was also no longer accessible to Indian users, reflecting the broad scope of the clampdown beyond just cricket. Users in India attempting to access these accounts are shown a message indicating that they are unavailable due to compliance with a legal request. The text on the Instagram pages of these artists reads, 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' When the news broke that several Pakistani artists' Instagram pages have been blocked in India after government action, Indian fans had one burning question — what about Hania Aamir? Unfortunately for these fans, they won't be able to enjoy any more of Aamir's content without a VPN because her account is no longer accessible in India. Moreover, many other Pakistani YouTube channels have been banned in India for provocative and communally sensitive content, along with false and misleading narratives targeting India, its Army, and security agencies. The other banned channels include Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, and Razi Naama. Agencies I
