Who was Sana Yousuf? The life and death of a rising Pakistani social media star

Sana Yousuf, a 17-year-old content creator from Upper Chitral, was tragically shot dead at her residence in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Monday night, sending shockwaves through the country’s digital community.

The accused - said to have been in prior contact with Sana - has been arrested, reported Samaa TV. Initial probe has revealed that the motive behind the killing was a personal grudge. The police have also recovered the murder weapon from the accused’s possession.

The young influencer, known for her vibrant personality and relatable content on TikTok and Instagram, had amassed over four lakh followers, making her one of the most popular voices from Pakistan’s remote northern regions.

Her sudden and violent death has triggered grief, anger, and a renewed spotlight on the pervasive issue of violence against women in the country, particularly honour killings.

According to Islamabad police, Sana was shot at close range by the accused who had come to visit her. Preliminary reports suggest the attacker entered her home under the guise of a casual visit, pulled out a weapon, and fired multiple rounds at her. She died instantly.

The assailant fled the scene immediately after the shooting, following which the police launched a manhunt.

Sana was not just another influencer chasing fame. She represented a rare success story — a young woman from the remote and conservative region of Upper Chitral who managed to carve a space for herself in Pakistan’s fast-evolving digital media landscape. Her content ranged from light-hearted comedy and lifestyle tips to cultural commentary that resonated with Pakistan’s Gen Z audiences.

The incident has triggered a wave of outrage across social media, with many users calling for justice for the young influencer. Hashtags such as #JusticeForSanaYousuf quickly began trending on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

The incident echoes the harrowing case of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls' education in Pakistan.

Earlier this year, another disturbing case emerged when a man in Pakistan allegedly murdered his teenage daughter over her presence on TikTok. The family had recently moved back to Pakistan from the United States. At first, the father falsely claimed that unidentified attackers were behind the killing.