A tragic incident unfolded in Islamabad on Monday, June 2, 2025, where a 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok star, Sana Yousaf, was reportedly shot dead at her home, as per reports from The Express Tribune and SAMAA TV. The shooting occurred in her residence located in Sector G-13. Authorities are currently investigating the possibility of it being an honour killing.
As the news sends shockwaves across social media, here’s a deeper look into the incident and the young influencer’s life.
Who Was Sana Yousaf?
Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok creator and social media influencer, was known for her digital activism and engaging content on Instagram. Originally from Chitral, she was the daughter of a social worker and used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote cultural pride, advocate for women’s rights, and share educational messages aimed at younger audiences, as per her Instagram.
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Her videos frequently showcased elements of Chitrali culture, delivered motivational content, and featured lighthearted, humorous reels that strongly resonated with Gen Z. With over 4.92 lakh followers on Instagram, Sana had also created a separate account to manage brand partnerships and sponsored content.
Her sudden death has shocked the online community. According to SAMAA TV, Sana was fatally shot at close range by a relative who had come to visit her at her home in Sector G-13, Islamabad. The suspect fled immediately after the attack. Police have launched a full investigation and are considering multiple angles, including the possibility of an honour killing, which is a common crime in various parts of the country. Sana was struck by two bullets and died on the spot. Her body was later transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem examination.
Condolences continue to pour in from fans and fellow creators mourning the loss of a young voice who had begun making a real impact.
Social Media Reactions To Sana Yousaf’s Death
The tragic killing of Sana Yousaf has triggered widespread outrage across social media platforms, with many demanding justice for the young influencer. Hashtags such as #JusticeForSanaYousuf began trending on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), as users expressed their grief and anger over the senseless violence.
A young woman Sana Yousaf full of dreams, hope, and courage was silenced simply for daring to exist online. Her presence on social media was met with violence, and her life was stolen in cold blood.
— Shahveer (@zarahattky) June 2, 2025
She deserved to live. To thrive. To speak.
We must mourn her. And we must rise. pic.twitter.com/GpTSHq3w4D
One user on X, identified as Shahveer, wrote: “A young woman Sana Yousaf, full of dreams, hope, and courage, was silenced simply for daring to exist online. Her presence on social media was met with violence, and her life was stolen in cold blood. She deserved to live. To thrive. To speak. We must mourn her. And we must rise.”
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Sana’s murder has drawn painful comparisons to past attacks on outspoken young women in Pakistan. Many are reminded of Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 after advocating for girls’ education.
Just earlier this year, another teenage girl in Pakistan was killed by her father due to her TikTok content. The family had recently moved back from the United States, and the father initially tried to mislead authorities by claiming that unknown individuals had committed the murder.
These heartbreaking cases highlight the ongoing dangers faced by young women who dare to speak out or maintain a visible online presence in conservative settings.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Credits: Sana Yousaf Instagram/Twitter
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