Tragic End: Father Kills Daughter Over TikTok Videos in Pakistan

In a chilling reminder of the persistent issue of honor killings, Anwar ul-Haq, a Pakistani man with US citizenship, confessed to fatally shooting his teenage daughter, Hira, in the city of Quetta. The incident occurred shortly after the family relocated from the United States to Pakistan. Anwar claimed that his daughter's social media activity, particularly on TikTok, was "objectionable." This tragic event adds to the growing list of honor killings in Pakistan, where hundreds of people, predominantly women, fall victim to this practice each year.

Hira, whose age ranged between 13 and 14, had been active on TikTok before the family's move back to Pakistan. Her father expressed disapproval of her lifestyle choices, including her dressing, social interactions, and content on social media. The family had previously lived in the United States for 25 years, a period during which Hira initially began posting her videos online.

The murder has rekindled discussions around honor killings in Pakistan. In response to such incidents, the Pakistani government revised legislation in 2016 to impose a mandatory life sentence for those convicted of honor killings. Before this change, perpetrators could escape punishment if pardoned by the victim's family—a loophole that often allowed them to avoid jail time.

Despite legislative efforts, these crimes continue to occur. In a notable case earlier in 2023, an Italian court sentenced a Pakistani couple to life imprisonment for murdering their 18-year-old daughter who resisted an arranged marriage. Similarly, the brother of Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch was initially sentenced to life for her murder but was later acquitted on appeal.

These cases highlight the cultural and societal challenges surrounding honor killings in Pakistan. The tragic fate of Hira and others like her underscores the need for continued efforts to combat this form of violence against women. Human rights organizations urge for more robust enforcement of existing laws and increased awareness to dismantle the cultural norms that perpetuate such practices.