A large protest was held outside the Islamabad Press Club on Thursday, as demonstrators demanded justice for TikToker Sana Yousuf, who was brutally murdered in what activists are calling a clear case of gender-based violence.
The protest drew a significant turnout, with women, men, social workers, and human rights activists standing in solidarity. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the participants called for strict punishment of the perpetrator.
“Sana was not killed by TikTok, but by a toxic mindset and dangerous ideology,” said one protester, referring to media narratives that often blame victims’ online presence. “She was killed because she refused to meet someone — is that a crime?” added another.
Renowned human rights activist Farzana Bari addressed the crowd, condemning the growing incidents of violence against women across Pakistan. “Every day, women are killed simply for being women,” she said. “Every third woman in this country faces gender-based violence. When will it end?”
Bari demanded that all cases of gender-based violence be resolved within six months and urged the government to implement strict policies to protect women. “The state must take responsibility. Women are not safe — not in their homes, not on the streets, and not online,” she added.
Protesters also highlighted the wider issue of femicide and called on the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to ensure swift justice in Sana Yousuf’s case.
