17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf tragically killed after ‘rejecting’ man’s advances

On what should have been a day of joy and celebration, the life of a promising young social media star was extinguished in an act of brutal violence. Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer known for her vibrant personality and cultural pride, was shot and killed in her Islamabad home on June 2, 2025—her birthday—allegedly by a cousin whose romantic advances she had repeatedly rebuffed.

As the story ripples through communities both online and off, Sana’s death has become a national conversation not only about violence against women, but about what it means to be a young woman in the digital age.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Sana wasn’t just another face in the sea of social media. She had built a loyal following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with hundreds of thousands of followers tuning in to her videos that ranged from light-hearted dances to passionate commentaries on women’s education and regional traditions in Chitral, her ancestral home in northern Pakistan.

Born in 2007, Sana grew up in Islamabad but remained deeply connected to her cultural roots. Her content often featured traditional Chitrali dress, music, and customs, earning her praise for representing a marginalized region. But behind her camera-ready smile was a teenager facing the same dangers millions of women and girls know all too well—those that come from being visible, vocal, and female.

A Visit Turns Deadly

According to local authorities, the suspect in Sana’s murder is her cousin, 21-year-old Umar Hayat, known to family as “Kaka.” On the day of the killing, Hayat arrived at her home in Sector G-13 under the pretense of a family visit. Security camera footage shows him entering the premises around mid-afternoon.

What happened next, according to family witnesses, was horrifying.

“He was talking to her in the living room,” Sana’s aunt told investigators. “They had a short argument. Then, out of nowhere, he pulled a gun from his waist and shot her twice in the chest. She collapsed instantly.”

Her aunt tried to intervene, but Hayat fled the scene. Sana’s parents were not at home at the time.

An Act of Possessive Rage

The motive, as outlined by police during a press conference, appears to stem from Sana’s repeated rejection of Hayat’s romantic interest. Investigators revealed that Hayat had sent multiple messages to Sana, professing love and making demands that she cease her online activities, which he claimed “dishonored” the family.

“She refused him, politely and firmly,” said a friend of Sana who requested anonymity. “She told him to stop messaging her. She even blocked him once, but he found other ways to contact her. She didn’t want to make it a big issue out of respect for the family.”

Authorities are investigating the possibility that the act was premeditated. Hayat fled the city after the murder but was apprehended 20 hours later in Faisalabad. During interrogation, he confessed to the shooting, reportedly telling police, “If I couldn’t have her, no one could.”

A Nation Mourns—and Questions

As news of the killing broke, social media was flooded with grief, anger, and calls for justice. The hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf quickly began trending, with celebrities, politicians, and activists expressing outrage over yet another senseless killing of a woman.

“What kind of society are we building,” tweeted Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, “where a girl cannot say ‘no’ without paying with her life?”

Women’s rights groups across the country held candlelight vigils and press conferences, demanding stronger laws to protect women from stalkers and possessive violence—especially from within families.

“This was not a random crime,” said Farzana Bari, a leading feminist and academic. “This was a cultural execution, masked as personal tragedy. Her only ‘fault’ was wanting to live on her own terms, and for that she was killed.”

Not Just an Influencer

For those who followed her online, Sana was more than a content creator. She was a beacon of youth empowerment. She spoke about how girls in Chitral had few opportunities and how the internet gave them a voice. Her death has left a void in a generation that looked up to her for strength.

“She made us feel proud to be who we are,” said Hina, a teenage fan from Gilgit. “She showed us you can be traditional and modern at the same time. Now we’re scared to post anything.”

A System That Fails Women

Critics argue that Pakistan’s legal and social systems are still woefully inadequate when it comes to protecting women, especially those who dare to step outside conventional gender roles. Sana had not filed a harassment complaint against Hayat—likely due to family pressure or fear of retaliation.

“In cases like this, girls are told to keep quiet,” said lawyer Sarah Yaqoob. “They’re told, ‘He’s family, he’ll get over it.’ But silence doesn’t protect them. It kills them.”

While the arrest of the suspect has offered some solace, activists warn that real justice will come only when systemic reforms are put into place—ones that give women the freedom to live, speak, and reject unwanted advances without fear of violence.

Her Legacy Lives On

Though her life was brief, Sana Yousaf left an indelible mark on her community. Her family has announced plans to create a foundation in her name to promote digital safety, girls’ education, and media literacy in rural regions.

In her last video, posted just a day before her death, Sana can be seen dancing to a popular Pashto song, smiling brightly. The caption reads: “Be proud of where you come from, and never let anyone dim your light.”

Sana’s light was stolen, but the fire she lit in others is still burning—and perhaps that, in time, will be her most powerful legacy.