A man suspected of murdering TikTok star Sana Yousaf in Islamabad’s Sector G-13 has been arrested, according to police officials. The arrest came just hours after the fatal shooting occurred on Monday, with authorities confirming the recovery of the murder weapon and the victim’s iPhone. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the swift action by law enforcement, stating, “Well done to Islamabad Police. The Sana Yousaf case was resolved with the arrest and recovery of evidence within 20 hours.”
CCTV footage from the scene has also been obtained, reportedly showing a young male suspect wearing a black T-shirt fleeing after the shooting. The case has been officially registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
NCSW Condemns ‘Patriarchal Violence’ Behind the Murder
The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has strongly denounced the killing. Chairperson Ume-Laila Azhar labeled it a “heinous act” and a stark example of the violence women face in a patriarchal society.
“This murder is unacceptable,” Azhar said. “It highlights the urgent need to ensure women’s safety in Pakistan. We call for a transparent and speedy investigation and justice for Sana and her family.”
Parliamentary Caucus: A Wake-Up Call for Society
Chairperson of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Shahida Rehmani, also voiced deep concern over the incident, calling it a “wake-up call” for society.
“Sana Yousaf was a promising young woman who inspired many. Her tragic death is not only heartbreaking but also a reflection of the broader threats women face daily,” Rehmani stated.
She demanded an immediate and thorough investigation, calling on the state to fulfill its duty to protect women. “This incident proves that even influential women remain unsafe. Justice must be swift and decisive,” she added.
A Disturbing Trend: Online Influencers Targeted
Sana Yousaf’s murder follows a similar case earlier this year in Quetta, where a teenage TikToker was killed by her father, Anwar ul-Haq. Initially blaming unidentified gunmen, Haq later confessed, citing her social media content and lifestyle as the motive—raising suspicions of an honour killing. His brother-in-law was also taken into custody.
The back-to-back cases have prompted public outrage, igniting debates on gender-based violence, online harassment, and the societal challenges faced by women who maintain public profiles.
Authorities continue to investigate Sana Yousaf’s case amid growing calls for accountability, systemic reform, and better protection for women in the digital age.
