Karachi: As more women in Pakistan embrace self-expression and economic freedom online, they face increasing harassment, privacy violations, and violence. This alarming trend has been brought into sharp focus following the tragic death of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf, who was shot dead by a man who had repeatedly contacted her online, according to police. The killing has raised renewed concerns over the safety of online personalities in Pakistan, particularly young women.

According to Deutsche Welle, the challenges faced by women online in Pakistan are a reflection of deeper, systemic issues rooted in patriarchal norms. A 2023 study by the Digital Rights Foundation, an NGO advocating for women’s rights in the digital space, found that 58.5% of online harassment complaints in Pakistan are filed by women. Despite these alarming statistics, public conversations rarely address the underlying societal norms that perpetuate such behavior, extending from virtual platforms into homes and workplaces.

Women with public-facing digital lives often question why their visibility comes at such a high cost. Many face hate comments and even threats of violence. Yusra Amjad, a Pakistani poet who has been using Instagram publicly since 2017, recounted how her creative pursuits and collaborations were overshadowed by hate comments. Similarly, Bisma Shakeel, who raises awareness about mental health on social media, has faced significant challenges in gaining family approval to post videos and has endured numerous threats.

The perception of women as a threat to traditional values exacerbates the problem. Maham Tariq, a feminist activist associated with Pakistan’s Aurat Azadi March, explained that women are often labeled as immoral or un-Islamic, which frames harassment as a justified act. This perspective allows perpetrators to feel righteous in their actions, further entrenching the cycle of violence.

For some women, like Aisha, who has experienced online impersonation and fake profiles, maintaining safety remains a priority. Recent improvements in social media platforms, such as Instagram’s feature to block associated IPs when blocking accounts, have provided some relief. However, following the murder of Sana Yousaf, many women influencers have become more proactive in reporting victim-blaming comments and profiles glorifying such acts.

Nighat Dad, founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, highlighted the challenges posed by low digital literacy combined with widespread internet access in Pakistan. While authorities sometimes act swiftly on complaints, this is not always the case, leaving many women vulnerable. For those like Aisha, who live abroad, visiting Pakistan still requires caution, often leading them to keep their accounts private during such visits.