In a tragic incident highlighting the ongoing struggle with "honour" killings in Pakistan, a 15-year-old girl was shot dead by her father in Quetta on Tuesday. Anwar ul-Haq, the suspect, holds US citizenship and had recently returned to Pakistan with his family after spending approximately 25 years in the United States. The victim, an American-born teenager, was reportedly killed due to her father's disapproval of her TikTok content.
Initially, Haq claimed that unidentified gunmen were responsible for his daughter's death. However, he later confessed to committing the crime himself. The motive behind this brutal killing was revealed to be Haq's objection to the "objectionable" videos his daughter had created on TikTok while residing in the US—content she continued to share after their return to Pakistan.
The shooting occurred on a street in Quetta, a city that has witnessed several such incidents in recent years. Authorities have also detained Haq's brother-in-law in connection with the case. This incident underscores a disturbing trend; according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, over 1,000 women are killed each year in the country due to "honour" killings.
"We have her phone. It is locked," – Zohaib Mohsin
This case has reignited debates over content moderation on social media platforms. TikTok, in particular, has faced scrutiny and has been blocked multiple times by the Pakistani government due to concerns over inappropriate content. Despite these bans, the platform remains immensely popular, with more than 54 million users nationwide.
The prevalence of "honour" killings in Pakistan presents significant challenges for women's rights advocates and law enforcement agencies alike. Such incidents often stem from deep-seated cultural norms and are viewed as a means to uphold family honour. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for societal change and stricter enforcement of laws to protect women from violence.