• TikTok star Sana Yousaf was killed hours after sharing her 17th birthday video.
• A man was arrested for the murder after repeated rejection by Sana.
• Violence against women, especially after rejected proposals, remains common in Pakistan.

Sana Yousaf, a popular TikTok beauty influencer from Pakistan, was killed just hours after sharing a video of her 17th birthday celebration. In the video, Sana happily cut her birthday cake and shared smiles with her followers. She had over 800,000 followers on TikTok and more than a million across all social media platforms. Sana posted lip-sync videos, skincare tips, and promoted beauty products. Her fans admired her for her charm and talent. Sadly, later that evening, a man shot her dead at her home in Islamabad, the country’s capital.

Man Arrested After Lurking Outside Influencer’s Home

Police arrested a 22-year-old man they suspect of killing Sana. Before the shooting, he spent hours outside her house. Police said he tried to contact Sana many times but she kept rejecting him. Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the suspect did not accept her refusals. He described the crime as “gruesome” and “cold-blooded.” The man acted out of anger after repeated rejection. The police arrested him soon after the shooting.

Sana’s Last Video and Outpouring of Grief Online

Sana’s last TikTok video showed her celebrating her birthday by cutting a cake. Fans and fellow influencers quickly noticed it was her final post. Comments filled the video with messages of shock and sorrow. Many wrote, “Rest in Peace” and demanded “Justice for Sana.” Influencer Waliya Najib expressed deep sadness, saying, “This doesn’t feel real. You were just 17 and glowing. I’m so sorry this world didn’t protect you.” UK content creator Kashaf Ali also shared her grief, asking, “How could a 17-year-old with so much innocence be killed like this?” The loss hit the TikTok community hard.

Violence Against Women Remains a Serious Problem in Pakistan

Violence against women remains widespread in Pakistan. The country’s Human Rights Commission reports many attacks happen after women reject marriage proposals. These violent reactions are sadly common. Many families and communities do not respect women’s choices. In some cases, attackers kill women they say brought dishonor to the family. These “honour killings” are brutal and illegal, but they still happen frequently.

Honour Killing of Teen Who Defied Social Media Ban

Earlier this year, a father moved his family from the United States to Pakistan. He forbade his 15-year-old daughter, Hira, from making TikTok videos. He believed her videos were “inappropriate.” Despite his warnings, Hira kept posting. Angry and ashamed, the father shot her dead. Police arrested him and charged him with murder. At first, he lied and blamed an unknown gunman. Later, he confessed to killing his daughter. Hira’s family also disapproved of her clothes, lifestyle, and friends. This tragic case shows how some families violently control young women’s lives.

Past Cases Show Pattern of Deadly Rejections

Sana’s case follows a disturbing pattern in Pakistan. In 2021, Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman, was beheaded by her boyfriend after she rejected his marriage proposal. Her murder shocked the nation and sparked widespread anger. In 2016, Khadija Siddiqui survived a brutal attack after her ex-boyfriend stabbed her 23 times. These violent acts often happen when men refuse to accept rejection. They show how dangerous it can be for women to say no.

Similar Violence Targets Women Influencers Worldwide

The problem is not only in Pakistan. Last month, Mexico lost Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old TikTok beauty influencer and aesthetician. She was shot multiple times while live streaming from her beauty salon. Her killing shocked viewers and added to the long list of violence against women in Mexico. The country battles a “machismo” culture that often encourages violence. This culture leads to harassment, acid attacks, and murders. Many women live in fear because of these threats.

Protecting Women Influencers Needs Urgent Action

Sana Yousaf’s death highlights a global issue. Women who express themselves on social media often face danger. In some cultures, they suffer violence for being independent and visible. Their voices raise awareness and bring joy, yet they risk their safety. The world must demand justice and stronger protection for women everywhere. Only then can women like Sana and Valeria live and create freely without fear.