A disturbing incident has unfolded in Pakistan, where a father has been arrested for killing his 16-year-old daughter over her refusal to delete her TikTok account. According to a police report, the father shot dead his daughter “for honour” after she declined to delete her account on the popular video-sharing app. “The girl’s father had asked her to delete her TikTok account. On refusal, he killed her,” a police spokesperson stated.
This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by women in Pakistan, particularly in the context of social media and online freedom. In the Muslim-majority country, women are often subjected to violence by family members for not following strict rules on how to behave in public, including online spaces. The victim’s family initially tried to “portray the murder as a suicide,” according to police in Rawalpindi, where the attack occurred.
TikTok has become increasingly popular in Pakistan, with many women finding a platform to showcase their talents and connect with others. However, this newfound freedom also comes with risks. Last month, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers was killed by a man whose advances she had refused. Sana Yousaf had gained a massive following on social media, sharing videos about her favourite cafes, skincare products, and traditional outfits.
Despite the popularity of TikTok in Pakistan, the app has faced scrutiny over its content. Pakistani telecommunications authorities have repeatedly blocked or threatened to block the app over concerns about “immoral behaviour,” amid backlash against LGBTQ and sexual content. The country’s patriarchal society and strict social norms often limit women’s freedom and autonomy, particularly in rural areas where tribal law governs.
In a similar incident earlier this year, a man in southwestern Balochistan confessed to orchestrating the murder of his 14-year-old daughter over TikTok videos that he claimed compromised her “honour.” These incidents underscore the need for greater awareness and action to protect women’s rights and safety in Pakistan.