Father kills daughter over TikTok videos in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a tragic honor killing took place on Tuesday in Quetta, Balochistan province, where Anwar ul-Haq shot and killed his 15-year-old daughter. Initially, the suspect claimed that unidentified gunmen were responsible for the murder, but he later confessed to committing the crime. This incident was sparked by his disapproval of her TikTok videos, which he deemed objectionable and inappropriate. It highlights the clash between conservative cultural norms and the influence of modern social media. The case reflects broader issues related to honor killings in Pakistan, where over 1,000 women are murdered each year for supposed damages to family honor. Honor killings can stem from a variety of reasons, including a woman's behavior on social media, eloping, or other actions considered disrespectful within conservative values. In this case, the victim had moved back to Pakistan with her family after spending approximately 25 years in the United States, where the father's perspective on women's rights and social behavior may have been shaped differently. Authorities are continuing their investigations. Reports indicate that the police have arrested Anwar ul-Haq's brother-in-law as part of the inquiry. The investigation is focused on confirming the nature of the crime and the motivations behind it. Local police officials have revealed that the father had issues with his daughter's lifestyle and her social interactions, which culminated in the tragic outcome of the honor killing. This incident not only highlights the issue of gender-based violence in Pakistan but also raises questions about the impact of social media on cultural norms. The growing number of TikTok users in Pakistan, estimated at more than 54 million, indicates a shift in how young people engage with social media and express themselves, often clashing with traditional values upheld by older generations. The backlash against such expressions is likely to fuel ongoing debates about women's rights, freedom of expression, and the role of authorities in regulating and addressing such violent acts rooted in cultural beliefs.