Daijiworld Media Network- Islamabad
Islamabad, Jun 3: In a deeply disturbing incident that has reignited concerns over honour-based violence in Pakistan, 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad on Monday. Police suspect the killing to be linked to so-called “honour” motives, with a relative or family acquaintance believed to be behind the crime.
Sana, a rising star on TikTok with over five lakh followers on Instagram, was celebrated for her vibrant content promoting regional culture, education, and women's rights. Her tragic and abrupt death has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s digital community and beyond.
According to SAMAA TV, the fatal shooting occurred at her residence in Sector G-13. The alleged killer reportedly engaged in a brief conversation with Sana before shooting her twice at close range. The assailant fled the scene immediately after.
Police confirmed that Sana died on the spot. Her body was later shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. The primary line of inquiry continues to point toward an honour killing — a practice where individuals, mostly women, are harmed or murdered for perceived violations of family or societal expectations.
Originally from Upper Chitral, Sana was the daughter of a respected social activist. She had gained widespread respect for her efforts to preserve local heritage and for courageously advocating gender equality, often addressing taboo subjects on her digital platforms.
This case mirrors the earlier murder of a 15-year-old girl named Hira in Quetta, who was allegedly killed by her own father and uncle for her presence on TikTok — a case that shocked the nation after the accused confessed.
Sana’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger online, with hashtags like #JusticeForSana and #StopHonourKillings trending across platforms. Human rights activists are demanding stronger legal safeguards for women and girls in Pakistan, particularly those who dare to express themselves openly in conservative environments.
Calls for justice continue to grow, as Sana Yousaf's name joins a heartbreaking list of young voices silenced far too soon.