A father in Pakistan has been arrested after fatally shooting his 16-year-old daughter for refusing to delete her TikTok account, police confirmed on Friday. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women in the country, often justified under the guise of “honor.”
The murder occurred in the city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, on Tuesday. According to a police spokesperson, the girl’s father demanded she delete her account on the popular video-sharing app. When she refused, he killed her. A police report shared with AFP revealed that the father initially attempted to pass off the crime as a suicide before investigators uncovered the truth. The father has since been arrested.
This tragic case is the latest in a series of violent acts targeting women in Pakistan, particularly those who use social media platforms like TikTok. Last month, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer, Sana Yousaf, was killed in her home by a man whose advances she had rejected. Sana had more than a million followers across social media platforms, where she shared videos showcasing her favorite cafes, skincare routines, and traditional clothing.
TikTok has become wildly popular in Pakistan, especially among women, due to its accessibility and the opportunity it provides for income generation. In a country where less than 25 percent of women participate in the formal economy, the app offers a rare platform for self-expression and financial independence. However, the freedom women find on TikTok often comes at a cost, with many facing societal backlash and, in extreme cases, violence.
Pakistan has one of the largest gender gaps in smartphone ownership worldwide. According to the Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025, only 30 percent of Pakistani women own a smartphone, compared to 58 percent of men. This disparity further highlights the challenges women face in accessing digital spaces safely.
Authorities in Pakistan have repeatedly targeted TikTok, accusing it of promoting “immoral behavior.” The app has faced temporary bans and threats of permanent removal, with critics pointing to LGBTQ and sexually explicit content as reasons for the restrictions.
The issue of so-called honor killings remains deeply entrenched in parts of Pakistan, particularly in rural regions governed by tribal laws. Earlier this year, a man in the southwestern province of Balochistan confessed to orchestrating the murder of his 14-year-old daughter over TikTok videos he claimed had compromised the family’s “honor.”
These cases underscore the urgent need for societal change and stronger protections for women in Pakistan. While platforms like TikTok provide a space for creativity and empowerment, the violence faced by women who challenge traditional norms continues to cast a shadow over their digital freedoms.
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