ISLAMABAD: A 17-year-old social media influencer, Sana Yousaf, was fatally shot in her home on Monday evening by a man who had repeatedly pursued her online, Islamabad police confirmed. The killing, described as “gruesome and cold-blooded” by Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, has sparked outrage and renewed concern over violence against women in Pakistan.

Sana, who had just celebrated her 17th birthday and had amassed over a million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, was known for her beauty content, skincare tips, and lifestyle videos. Her final post—a video of her birthday celebration—was uploaded just hours before her death.

Obsession Turned Fatal

The suspect, a 22-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the incident. According to police, he had been loitering near Sana’s residence for several hours prior to the attack. Investigators believe the murder was motivated by repeated rejections from Sana, who had ignored or declined his persistent attempts to contact her.

“This wasn’t a random act of violence,” IG Rizvi told reporters during a press briefing. “This was a calculated, cold-blooded killing driven by rejection. The suspect had a history of trying to connect with her online.”

Online Fame, Offline Danger

Sana Yousaf was part of a growing wave of young Pakistani influencers, with a significant following on TikTok—where she had over 800,000 followers—and on other platforms. She often shared product reviews, short skits, and personal milestones. Her popularity brought her both admiration and, as this tragedy has shown, unwanted attention.

Under her last video, followers have flooded the comments section with messages of grief, many reading “Rest in Peace” and “Justice for Sana.”

A Grim Pattern

Sana’s murder is the latest in a disturbing trend of violence against women in Pakistan, particularly in cases involving rejected suitors. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has repeatedly warned about the frequency of gender-based violence, especially in response to women asserting their autonomy.

Notable past cases include the 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman who was brutally killed after refusing a marriage proposal. In 2016, law student Khadija Siddiqui survived a knife attack by an ex-boyfriend who stabbed her 23 times in broad daylight.

“These cases reflect deep-rooted misogyny and a culture of entitlement that turns deadly when women say ‘no,’” said an HRCP representative following news of Sana’s death.

Calls for Action

Women’s rights advocates, social media users, and public figures have condemned the killing and called for justice. Hashtags like #JusticeForSana and #StopViolenceAgainstWomen began trending shortly after news of her murder broke.

Law enforcement officials have assured the public that the case is being handled with urgency and that the suspect will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“This young girl’s life was stolen for exercising her right to reject someone. That cannot go unpunished,” said IG Rizvi. “We owe it to Sana—and to every woman in Pakistan—to ensure justice is served.”

As the investigation continues, Sana Yousaf’s death stands as a tragic reminder of the dangers women face, both online and offline, simply for asserting control over their own lives.