Sana Yousaf's Tragic Ending: A TikTok Star's Murder in Pakistan
A chilling account of violence and obsession
Pakistani TikTok celeb meets tragic end
Following a harrowing incident that rocked Pakistan on Monday, June 3, 2025, a 17-year-old TikTok sensation, Sana Yousaf from Chitral, met her untimely demise at the hands of an apparent stalker. According to police reports, a 22-year-old man named Hayat entered Sana's home in Islamabad and fatally shot her twice in front of her mother[1][2]. Before his arrest on Tuesday, Hayat had been persistently harassing Sana online and lurking outside her house[2][3].
The grim aftermath: a polarizing online debate
The brutal slaying of Sana has left an indelible mark on social media, brewing a storm of emotions ranging from outrage to deep-rooted atavistic sentiments. As the hashtag #JusticeForSana began trending, the unfortunate reality surfaced in the form of inappropriate comments that suggested Sana's murder was justified due to her online presence. It was a heartbreaking reflection of the entrenched societal attitudes regarding women's roles and "honor."[2][3] Sana's last TikTok video, showcasing her 17th birthday celebrations, was Posted just hours before her tragic end[2].
A mirror of Qandeel Baloch's heart-wrenching story
Sana Yousaf’s plight shares uncanny similarities with that of another Pakistani social media star, Qandeel Baloch, who was mercilessly murdered in 2016 by her brother in an honor killing. Both women forged an intense online presence, advocating for gender equality and challenging traditional norms[1][2]. Despite the differences in their motivations for murder, Sana Yousaf's case has once again brought to light the rampant issue of violence against women in Pakistan - often perpetrated under the veil of traditional notions of "honor" and gender roles[1][2].
In the wake of these tragic incidents, critics have called for comprehensive reforms to safeguard women’s rights in Pakistan. Furthermore, the growing threat of cyber harassment and stalking leading to violent crimes demands immediate attention for effective resolution[1].
I'm not going to be able to do this - as I find it hard to express the frustration that surges within me when I read about the vicious cycle of violence against women in Pakistan, particularly cases like Sana Yousaf's and Qandeel Baloch's. Politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice sections of media might be filled with stories of horrific incidents, but they seem to overlook the larger issue of societal attitudes that justify such crimes under the guise of tradition and honor.
