Teen daughter fatally shot by father due to her TikTok account in Pakistan
In a series of shocking incidents, female TikTok users in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, have faced deadly consequences for their online presence. The latest case involves Mehak Shahzadi, a 17-year-old matriculation student from Rawalpindi, who was shot and killed by her father, Akhlaq Ahmed, after she refused to delete her TikTok account.
Akhlaq Ahmed has been arrested by Rawalpindi police, and the murder weapon has been recovered. This tragic incident is being described as a "honour killing" by authorities, echoing similar cases in the region.
In June 2025, social media influencer Sana Yousaf was murdered in Islamabad after she rejected a man's advances. Her online presence was met with extreme and deadly opposition, underscoring the risks faced by female content creators in South Asia.
The threats against these women can come from family members enforcing patriarchal control or men who feel entitled to their attention. In India, popular Punjabi social media star Kamal Kaur was found dead in a car after receiving death threats from a Canada-based gangster.
These incidents highlight a shared, violent backlash against women who claim a public space online in South Asia. The killing of Mehak Shahzadi is a part of a terrifying trend of violence against women and girls who gain a public profile online in the region.
The violence against these women underscores the risks faced by female content creators in South Asia. The incidents have sparked mixed reactions, with some blaming the victims for their own deaths and others calling for greater protections for women's rights. Activists have demanded justice and protections for young women online and offline.
The police have emphasized that no leniency will be shown in cases where honor is cited as a reason for murder. Legal reforms and awareness campaigns have been undertaken to combat honor killings, though more work is needed to address the root causes of such violence. The police chief of Islamabad has encouraged support for women who want to become influencers, highlighting the need for societal acceptance.
The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has provided women with a platform for expression and income. However, this visibility has also led to increased scrutiny and violence against women who use the platform. While specific data on honor killings against TikTok users is not readily available, honor killings are a persistent issue in Pakistan.
The incidents serve as a grim reminder of the challenges women face in claiming their space online and the urgent need for societal change to ensure their safety and rights.
- Social media platforms like TikTok have offered women in South Asia an avenue for self-expression and income, but this visibility has also exposed them to increased scrutiny and potential violence.
- Apart from Pakistan, cases of honor killings have also been reported in India, such as that of popular Punjabi social media star Kamal Kaur.
- In light of these tragic incidents, activists have demanded justice and protections for women, both online and offline, and have encouraged greater societal acceptance of women in the public sphere.
- Authorities and police forces have emphasized the need for legal reforms and awareness campaigns to combat honor killings, acknowledging the persistent issue in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan.
