AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: A man has been charged in Pakistan over the killing of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf, who had repeatedly rejected his advances.
According to BBC, Sana Yousaf’s murder in June drew widespread condemnation but also elicited some comments appearing to blame her, igniting a fierce debate about the role and treatment of women on social media platforms. Umar Hayat, 22, was arrested and confessed to the murder soon after her death but has pleaded not guilty in Islamabad’s district court on Saturday. Hayat, who is the son of a former public servant and a TikToker himself, was apprehended shortly after the tragic event.
Ms. Yousaf was already a prominent figure in Pakistan, amassing a considerable following with half a million fans on Instagram before her untimely death. Her TikTok account saw a dramatic increase in followers, now standing at over two million. The outpouring of condolences was evident on her social media pages, where she frequently shared videos showcasing her favorite cafes, skincare products, and traditional outfits.
Her final Instagram video depicted her surrounded by balloons, celebrating her birthday by cutting a cake. The incident has highlighted the popularity of TikTok in Pakistan, particularly among women who are finding both an audience and income on the app, a significant achievement in a country where less than a quarter of women participate in the formal economy.