Pakistani TikTok Star Sana Yousaf, 17, Shot Dead After Repeated Online Harassment; Suspect Arrested
On June 2, 2025, 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf was fatally shot inside her home in Islamabad’s Sector G-13/1.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Umar Hayat, was arrested within 24 hours. Authorities are investigating the motive, with preliminary findings suggesting a personal grudge.
Suspect Arrested and Confesses
Islamabad Police launched a manhunt, utilizing CCTV footage and mobile data analysis. Hayat was apprehended in Faisalabad approximately 20 hours after the murder.
He confessed to the crime, stating that he had been repeatedly rejected by Sana.
The police recovered the murder weapon, the clothes worn during the incident, and Sana’s mobile phone. Investigators analyzed footage from 113 cameras and over 300 phone calls during the investigation.
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
The murder of Sana Yousaf elicited widespread condemnation from government officials, civil society, and the public.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the swift action of law enforcement, stating, “Well done Islamabad Police. Sana Yousaf murder case traced, accused arrested, and weapon recovered within 20 hours.”
Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi described the suspect as a “cold-blooded murderer” who acted out of repeated rejections by the victim.
He emphasized the importance of supporting individuals pursuing careers as social media influencers, asserting that such professions should be encouraged rather than stigmatized.
Ume-Laila Azhar, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), condemned the murder, highlighting it as a reflection of the violence women face in a patriarchal society. She stressed the need for systemic changes to protect women from such atrocities.
On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf trended as users expressed grief and demanded justice.
However, some online reactions sparked controversy, with certain users making derogatory comments about the victim’s online presence. This dichotomy in public reaction underscored ongoing debates about women’s rights and safety in Pakistan.
Broader Context of Violence Against Women
The murder of Sana Yousaf is part of a broader pattern of violence against women in Pakistan. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), 392 women were killed in the name of honor by November 2024.
Experts believe the actual number of honor killings is significantly higher, as many cases go unreported due to cultural and societal pressures.
Despite legal reforms, such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offense of Rape) Act 2016, which introduced harsher punishments for perpetrators of rape and honor killings, enforcement remains weak.
Challenges include underreporting, victim-blaming, and a lack of resources for survivors seeking justice.
Remembering Sana Yousaf
Sana Yousaf was a prominent social media influencer with over 740,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 500,000 on Instagram.
Her content often highlighted cultural pride, women’s rights, and educational awareness, resonating with Pakistan’s Gen Z audience. She resided with her family in Islamabad’s Sector G-13/1.
Her untimely death has left a void in the online community and sparked a national conversation about the safety of women and the need for systemic change to protect them from violence.
