INTERNATIONAL: TikTok Teen Star Sana Yousaf Shot Dead by Cousin in Chilling Murder
Influencer Fatally Shot in Islamabad
Pakistani TikTok sensation Sana Yousaf, aged 17, was tragically shot dead at her home in Islamabad on June 2, 2025.
Known for her empowering content on cultural identity and women’s rights, Sana’s murder has stirred national outrage.
The assailant was identified as her cousin, Umar Hayat—also known as “Kaka.” He was arrested within 24 hours of the attack.
Manhunt and Arrest
CCTV footage played a crucial role in the investigation. Hayat was seen leaving the crime scene on foot while texting on hisphone before fleeing Islamabad on a motorbike.
Law enforcement traced him to Faisalabad, where he was apprehended.
Hayat confessed to the crime during interrogation, stating that Sana had rejected his friendship proposals multiple times.
The police recovered the murder weapon and Sana’s mobile phone from him. Surveillance footage corroborated his presence at the crime scene.
Who Was Sana Yousaf?
Hailing from Upper Chitral, Sana Yousaf was a rising digital voice in Pakistan’s Gen Z landscape.
She had over 740,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 500,000 on Instagram.
Her videos often focused on themes such as cultural pride, gender equality, and educational empowerment.
Her influence extended beyond entertainment, offering inspiration to young women navigating Pakistan’s evolving social landscape.
National Outcry and Demands for Justice
The hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf began trending shortly after the news broke, with thousands demanding a swift and transparent investigation.
Women’s rights activists, digital creators, and citizens alike expressed grief and frustration at the ongoing violence targeting female public figures.
The case has drawn parallels to the 2016 killing of Qandeel Baloch, another prominent influencer, sparking renewed debates on gender-based violence and online safety for women in Pakistan.
Broader Implications
Sana’s death once again highlights the vulnerabilities faced by female influencers in patriarchal societies.
As digital platforms offer women greater visibility, they also expose them to increased risk—especially from individuals in their immediate social circles.
Advocates are calling for stronger protective mechanisms for public figures and reforms that address the toxic nexus of misogyny, honor-based violence, and online fame.
Well I never understood why Pakistan’s image is always ruined when there is a female killed.
They have some personal matter going on and cousin didn’t control his anger and killed his female cousin.
Why everyone starts talking about females activists and gender equality voices being shut out. When this is not true in every case specially this one.
My request is to please search for male killings on personal matters as well and see how many young males we lose on street quarrels and personally issues.
Every life is important. Try to have a healthy society rather than creating these western issues which has already divided us.