Sana Yousaf Death: ’Hum Apne Ghar Me Safe Nahi...’ Pakistani Women React To TikToker Being Killed In Her Own House

The killing of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf has shocked Pakistan. She was shot dead inside her own home by a stalker, raising serious questions about how safe women really are, even in their most private spaces.

Just days after her birthday celebration with friends, Sana was attacked in Islamabad on June 2. Umar Hayat, 22, who had been stalking her for months, waited outside her house for eight hours before breaking in and shooting her twice in the chest. The brutal attack happened in front of her mother and aunt, leaving the family devastated.

Sana Yousaf Death: She Said NO, He Killed Her

Umar reportedly tried to befriend Sana many times, both online and in person. But after repeated rejections, he became obsessed and angry. Police said his rage peaked when Sana refused to meet him on her birthday. Despite Sana warning him about CCTV cameras and begging him to leave, he ignored her and pulled the trigger.

After the murder, Umar fled but was caught the next day in Faisalabad, more than 300 km away. Authorities recovered the weapon and Sana’s stolen phone. Umar admitted to the crime. Police described him as a cold-blooded killer, driven by toxic masculinity and a sense of entitlement. Officials clarified this was not an honour killing, but a clear case of femicide.

Pakistani Women Say, “We’re Not Safe, Even At Home”

Women in Pakistan have expressed fear and anger over the murder. Many say this case shows how unsafe women remain, even in their own homes.

“Maine dekha hai ki bahut se log is maamle ko ek satrah saal ki ladki ke maare jaane se zyada, ek TikToker ki maut ke taur par dekh rahe hain. Jaise wo bas yeh keh rahe hon ki  - Aisi video banati thi, to anjaam to yahi hona tha. Par asal mudda yeh hai ki ek ladki ko, uske hi ghar mein maar diya gaya. Aur ghar wo jagah hoti hai, jo kisi ke liye sabse surakshit maani jaati hai.”

“Yeh waqt us par charcha karne ka nahi hai ki wo TikTok par kya banati thi. Baat yeh hai ki ek ladki ne ‘na’ kaha, aur saamne wale ko wo rejection bardasht nahi hua. Hamare samaaj mein ab ladkiyon ke andar darr baitha diya gaya hai ki agar hum kisi ko mana karenge, to hamari jaan bhi ja sakti hai.”

“Ladkiyon ko hi hamesha sawaalon ke ghere mein rakha jaata hai—kabhi kapdon ko lekar, kabhi charitra par ungli uthti hai, aur kabhi bina kisi wajah ke hi unka insaaf cheen liya jaata hai. Sabse hairaan karne wali baat yeh hai ki yeh sab unke apne ghar mein hua.”

“Ab to aisa lagta hai ki hum na kisi ko jawab de sakte hain, na apne haq ki baat kar sakte hain. Agar hum awaaz uthaayenge, to humein bhi maar diya jaayega. Hum aaj bhi insecurity mein jee rahe hain.”

“Mere khud ke anubhav ki baat karun, to mere bhai ko mujhe chhodne aur lene aana padta hai. Agar local jaana ho, to main metro se din mein jaati hoon, raat mein kabhi nahi. Aur agar jaana zaroori ho, to apne parents ke saath hi jaati hoon. Akele bahar jaane se darr lagta hai.”

(Many people see this more as a TikToker’s death than a girl’s murder. They say, “She made those videos, so this was bound to happen.” But the real issue is a girl was killed in her own home, a place that should be safe. This is not about her videos. She said no, and the man couldn’t accept it. Girls live in fear now. if they refuse someone, their life could be in danger. Girls are always blamed—for clothes or character and their justice is taken away. The worst part is this happened inside her own home. It feels like we can’t speak up or defend ourselves. If we do, we might get hurt. I’m scared to go out alone and only travel with family during the day.)

Watch the video below!

पाकिस्तान में टिकटॉक स्टार सना यूसुफ़ की हत्या पर वहां की महिलाओं ने क्या कहा?
शूटः फ़ुरकान इलाही
एडिटिंगः फ़ाकिर मुनीर pic.twitter.com/6TVQVSn93C

— BBC News Hindi (@BBCHindi) June 8, 2025

Meanwhile, Sana’s accused killer is set to face trial soon. Until then, Pakistan watches closely, hoping this tragedy leads to real change.