Murder of TikTok Star Sparks Debate in Pakistan

The murder of teenage TikTok star Sana Yousaf in Islamabad, after she repeatedly rejected a man's advances, has sparked a national debate in Pakistan and highlighted widespread misogyny. Thousands have commented online, with many blaming or justifying the killing, underscoring the challenges women face in the country's digital space. Social media platforms like TikTok offer rare opportunities for visibility and income for Pakistani women, but only 30% own smartphones, the largest gender gap in the world. Authorities have frequently threatened to ban TikTok over alleged 'immoral behaviour,' and the platform has responded by pledging stronger content moderation and removing millions of videos at their request. The incident has led to renewed family and societal pressure on women to withdraw from social media, fearing violence or judgment. The case underscores persistent barriers to women's participation in both online and offline spheres in Pakistan.