Sana Yousaf's latest post did not at all foreshadow her tragic and untimely end. In the video, the influencer with over a million followers on TikTok is seen celebrating her 17th birthday, smiling in front of a cake and her loved ones. Less than 24 hours later, Sana would be found dead, shot to death.
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The main suspect in the murder is a 22-year-old man, Umar Hayat, who is said to have repeatedly tried to contact Sana, without receiving a response from her.
Her murder sparked widespread outrage and protests across Pakistan against gender-based violence. But even more shocking than the crime itself were the cruel reactions on social media:
"I'm happy to see these things happening," "My heart is full of joy today, I'll put on music and dance happily."
Under a photo of Sana posing in traditional Pakistani attire, a commenter wrote:
"Encouraging young girls to attract attention or expose themselves can have serious consequences."
According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), this kind of rhetoric is deeply problematic:
"This mentality dangerously links a woman's online presence and perception of her morality to justification for violence against anyone. This type of online self-justification feeds a broader culture of victim blaming, where abuse is normalized and responsibility is shifted away from the aggressor."
Sana's case is not isolated. It highlights the systemic crisis of violence against women, not only in real life, but also in the digital sphere.
Indeed, even in Albania, there is no shortage of insulting, bullying, or blaming comments towards victims of violence or sexual abuse.
According to experts, social media has amplified the voices of women, especially young women, who are educated, empowered, and determined to make their own choices. This reality and confidence is shocking to some men (certainly not all) who have grown up taking power for granted.
"A portion of men are reacting with anxiety and aggression to changes in gender relations, as if restricting women were the solution, instead of asking why so many boys feel threatened by equality," experts say.
