Pakistani TikTok Star’s Final Birthday Post Goes Viral After Tragic Shooting

ISLAMABAD — Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer from Chitral in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was fatally shot at her home in Islamabad’s G-13 sector on Monday, according to a report by Khaleej Times. The young content creator, known for her vibrant social media presence, was killed just hours after sharing a video celebrating her 17th birthday on Instagram.

In the now-viral clip, Yousaf is seen smiling as she cuts a birthday cake with friends, unaware that it would be her final post. The Express Tribune reported that an unidentified assailant entered her residence, fired two shots at close range, and fled the scene. Yousaf succumbed to her injuries instantly, and her body was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem examination.

Yousaf, who had amassed over 492,000 followers on Instagram and maintained a separate account for brand collaborations, was a prominent figure among Pakistan’s Gen Z influencers. Her content often blended humor, cultural pride, and advocacy for women’s rights and education, resonating with a young audience. As the daughter of a well-known social activist, she used her platform to promote positive messages.

The incident, which occurred within the jurisdiction of the Sumbal police station, has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users demanding justice under the hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive, with some reports suggesting the suspect may have been a guest at Yousaf’s home. No arrests have been reported so far.

This tragic event adds to a series of violent incidents targeting young women in Pakistan, raising concerns about safety and gender-based violence in the country.