Sana Yousaf, a popular 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok influencer, was shot dead at her home in Islamabad, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice across social media platforms.

Originally from Upper Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sana Yousaf had built a massive following on TikTok and Instagram, where she regularly shared videos focused on youth culture, women’s rights, and lifestyle content. She had over 400,000 TikTok followers and around 492,000 Instagram followers, including a dedicated page for brand collaborations.

The tragic incident occurred in Islamabad's Sector G-13, reportedly within the jurisdiction of Sumbal Police Station. Media reports indicate that an unidentified assailant, possibly a guest or relative, shot Sana at close range inside her home and then fled the scene. SAMAA TV cited that the attacker may have been a known visitor, while The Express Tribune confirmed the influencer died on the spot and her body was shifted to PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) for post-mortem examination.

Police are actively investigating the murder, exploring various angles, including the possibility of an honour killing, though the exact motive remains unconfirmed. As of now, no arrests have been made.

Born on June 2, 2008, Sana had celebrated her 17th birthday just a day before the incident. A now-viral video shows her joyfully cutting a birthday cake, a tragic contrast to the grim news that followed.

The influencer’s murder has ignited a strong reaction online, with hashtags like #JusticeForSanaYousaf trending on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Users mourned her loss and demanded accountability. One post read, "Sana Yousaf's murder is a stark reminder of the dangers women face, both online and offline." Another added, “She deserved to live. To thrive. To speak.”