Father and Uncle Kill 15-Year-Old Daughter Over TikTok Videos in Pakistan

In Pakistan’s Quetta, a 15-year-old girl, Hira, was murdered by her father and uncle over concerns regarding her TikTok videos, in a case classified as an honour killing. The family had objected to her lifestyle and fashion choices, leading to a premeditated crime. Both perpetrators have been arrested, and the case highlights the ongoing menace of honour killings in the region.

A tragic incident has occurred in Quetta, Pakistan, where a 15-year-old girl named Hira was murdered by her father and maternal uncle due to her TikTok videos, in what is being described as an honour killing. The event unfolded on January 28, with the girl’s family expressing disapproval of her choice of clothing and lifestyle which they believed were unacceptable. After Hira refused to cease her social media activities, her father, Anwarul-Haq, conspired with her maternal uncle, Tayyab Ali, leading to the premeditated crime.

Anwarul-Haq, who had recently returned from the United States, along with his accomplice, have been arrested and admitted to murdering Hira. Local authorities have indicated that the investigation will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the case, while maintaining that it underscores the severe issues of honour killings prevalent in the region. Police investigator Zohaib Mohsin emphasized that the family’s objections were rooted in her dress and social interactions, further complicating the circumstances of her tragic fate.

In Pakistan, TikTok has gained significant popularity, with over 54 million users, yet it has faced multiple government sanctions over what is deemed inappropriate content. The relationship between society and digital platforms remains strained as authorities frequently remove perceived obscenity. The issue of honour killing continues to be rampant in Pakistan, with the Human Rights Commission reporting over 1,000 such cases annually, pointing to deeply embedded cultural beliefs that often lead to violence against women by family members.

The alarming frequency of honour killings in Pakistan is often justified by cultural norms that prioritize family reputation over individual rights. Social media platforms like TikTok have become battlegrounds for these societal conflicts, highlighting the tension between modernity and traditional values. With millions of users engaging with the platform, the governmental oversight and community backlash reflect a struggle to reconcile contemporary expressions of freedom with ingrained cultural expectations.

The murder of Hira at the hands of her family starkly illustrates the ongoing epidemic of honour killings rooted in patriarchal values and societal expectations in Pakistan. Such tragedies underline the urgent need for reform both within families and the broader legal framework to protect individuals from violence based on honour. Moreover, it calls for increased awareness and advocacy against such human rights violations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com