Teen Pakistani influencer shot dead inside her home: Who was Sana Yousaf?

In a heartbreaking incident, 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf was shot and killed inside her home in Islamabad on Monday, in what police believe may be a case of honour killing.

According to Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, the teenage influencer, known for her videos on culture, lifestyle, and youth empowerment, was allegedly shot at point-blank range by a relative.

So, who was Sana Yousaf? And what led to her tragic death? Here’s what we know so far.

All about Sana Yousaf

Born on June 2, 2008, Sana Yousaf grew up in Chitral, a region in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

She was the daughter of a local social activist and used her own platform to share content on women’s rights, culture, and education, especially for younger audiences. Over time, she built a strong digital presence, amassing more than 500,000 followers on Instagram.

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While details about her early life and education remain limited, Sana was reportedly a first-year medical student. Her social media content blended humour, inspiration, and a deep love for Chitrali culture.

Her reels, often celebrating local customs and encouraging self-expression, resonated strongly with Gen Z viewers. Many also drew comparisons between her and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.

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Beyond entertainment, Sana collaborated with brands and encouraged other young women to express themselves through her expanding online following.

What happened?

On Monday — the day she turned 17 — Sana Yousaf was shot and killed at her home in Islamabad’s G-13 sector.

According to The Express Tribune, the attacker had come to visit her at the house. After a brief interaction outside, he allegedly opened fire and fled the scene.

“Sana Yousuf, who hailed from Upper Chitral and resided in Sector G-13 of Islamabad, was fatally shot by a guest who had come to visit her,” police officials told the media. “The assailant fled immediately after the incident, and a manhunt is now underway.”

While the motive behind the killing remains unclear, investigators suspect it could be an honour killing. The identity of the suspect has not been officially released, but local reports indicate he may have known her personally as he briefly interacted with the suspect outside her home.

Sana’s body was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem examination. As of now, no arrests have been made.

News of her death has shocked followers and reignited concerns over gender-based violence and femicide in Pakistan. On social media, tributes poured in, with one user writing, “She died on her birthday,” and another demanding, “Justice must be swift and firm.”

Police continue their investigation in hopes of identifying and arresting the perpetrator.

Not the first such incident in Pakistan

Tragically, Sana Yousaf’s death is not an isolated case. Pakistan has seen several similar incidents in recent years, where young girls have been targeted for their social media presence.

Earlier this year, a 15-year-old girl named Hira was shot dead in Quetta, allegedly by her father and maternal uncle, in what police suspect was an honour killing linked to her activity on TikTok.

Reports later revealed that Hira’s father, Anwarul-Haq, had warned her to stop posting videos online. When she refused, he allegedly conspired with his brother-in-law, Tayyab Ali, to kill her.

And in 2016, one of Pakistan’s most high-profile honour killing cases made headlines worldwide. Social media star Qandeel Baloch, known for challenging conservative norms, was strangled by her own brother. He was later convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Baloch often sparked controversy for her bold persona, famously offering to strip for the Pakistani cricket team and wearing a plunging red dress on Valentine’s Day.

She drew criticism and threats, but also admiration from many, especially young Pakistanis. According to AFP, she was seen by supporters as “breaking new ground in a country where presenting yourself as a Kim Kardashian-like figure can be seen as a bold, political act of women’s empowerment.”

With input from agencies