THIS is with reference to the report “Teenage Tiktoker’s murder suspect sent on 14-day judicial remand in Islamabad” (June 5). The social media influencer from Upper Chitral was tragically shot dead at her home in Islamabad only because she had refused to meet the man who had been pestering her for some time.

She was known for promoting cultural pride, advocating women’s rights, and sharing educational messages on her platforms, gaining a significant following. The incident occurred when the 22-year-old man came to her residence after having been turned down repeatedly, and opened fire, shooting her twice in the chest before fleeing the scene. The man’s whereabouts were tracked by police investigation teams using CCTV footage and digital forensics. There have been some media reports suggesting that he has already confessed to the killing.

This heart-breaking incident highlights the growing concerns about the safety of young women having a visible online presence in conservative settings. In search of a lasting solution to such crimes, it is essential to foster a societal shift that promotes tolerance, acceptance and respect for female visibility and independence across digital spaces.

This can be achieved by integrating digital literacy and online safety education into school curricula, implementing policies and laws that protect online creators from harassment and violence, and providing support and protection to young women who face online threats.

By working together, we can, and we surely should, create a safer and more supportive environment for young women, facilitating their desire to express them- selves online without any fear of violence.

Shari Wahid
Turbat

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025