Pakistani Teen Killed by Father Over TikTok Account: A Disturbing Case of Domestic Violence

A 16-year-old girl in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was allegedly shot and killed by her father after refusing to delete her TikTok account, according to local media reports. What was first claimed to be a suicide has now been confirmed by police as a case of murder, once again highlighting the disturbing rise of honor-based violence in Pakistan.

The incident occurred in the Rawat area of Rawalpindi, a city located just south of Islamabad. According to law enforcement, initial claims from the family suggested that the girl had taken her own life. However, investigators quickly uncovered evidence that pointed to a more troubling truth. Forensic findings and statements gathered by Rawat Police contradicted the family’s story and revealed that the teenager was deliberately shot by her father.

Authorities say the conflict began when the father demanded that his daughter remove the popular video-sharing application TikTok from her phone. Upon her refusal, he allegedly responded with deadly violence, fatally shooting her before fleeing the scene. The man is now on the run, and a police search operation is underway to locate and arrest him.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, and forensic teams have collected material from the crime scene. Police officials confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The case has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many Pakistani users demanding justice and expressing concern about the growing number of so-called “honor killings” in the countrymurders often committed by family members under the pretense of protecting familial or cultural reputation. Critics argue that such acts reflect deeper societal issues, including unchecked domestic violence and outdated patriarchal norms that devalue female autonomy and freedom of expression.

While Pakistan has enacted laws to combat honor-based violence, enforcement remains inconsistent. Human rights observers have long criticized the lack of political will and accountability that allows such crimes to continue with impunity. In many cases, perpetrators go unpunished, especially when families withdraw complaints or seek out-of-court settlements.

This tragedy also reignites debate over the role of social media platforms like TikTok in conservative societies. Though some view them as platforms for creativity and free expression, others see them as threats to traditional values, often with dangerous consequences for young users, especially women.

The accused remains at large, and authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in his arrest. As of now, the community and the country await justice for the young girl whose life was taken over a smartphone app.