QUETTA: A tragic incident unfolded in Quetta, Pakistan, where a father shot his teenage daughter over her TikTok videos. Anwar ul-Haq, who had recently returned with his family from the United States, admitted to the crime. The 15-year-old girl, born in the U.S., was killed on a street in the southwestern city of Quetta. Initially, Haq claimed that gunmen were responsible for her death, but later confessed to the shooting.
Objections to Content and Lifestyle
Police revealed that the father’s actions stemmed from objections to his daughter’s online presence. Investigators stated that the family disapproved of her dressing, lifestyle, and social interactions. Haq was reportedly upset by her “objectionable” TikTok videos, which she continued to post after moving to Pakistan. Officials noted that the girl’s phone was locked, and they were investigating all potential motives, including the possibility of an honor killing.
Family’s Return to Pakistan from the U.S.
The family had lived in the U.S. for over 25 years before returning to Pakistan. Haq, a U.S. citizen, brought his family back to the conservative Balochistan province. The cultural differences between the U.S. and Pakistan, especially regarding social norms, appeared to contribute to the tragic outcome. Investigators said Haq’s brother-in-law had also been arrested in connection to the murder.
A Closer Look at Pakistan’s Cultural Context
Pakistan has a significant TikTok user base, with over 54 million active users. The government has periodically blocked the app due to concerns over “obscene content.” Recent tensions between social media platforms and Pakistani authorities have led to content removal requests. TikTok has complied with these requests as part of efforts to moderate content in the region.
Honour Killings in Pakistan and the Alarming Statistics
Honor killings remain a serious issue in Pakistan, with over 1,000 women killed each year. These murders often occur over perceived violations of cultural norms, such as socializing with men, posting certain content, or engaging in relationships deemed inappropriate. Many victims face extreme violence at the hands of their families or communities.
Father and Uncle Granted 10-Day Remand in Murder Case
The court in Quetta has approved a 10-day remand for the father and uncle of the murdered girl. The remand was granted by the Judicial Magistrate 13. The suspects have been handed over to the Serious Crimes Wing for further investigation. The tragic incident occurred on the night of January 27, when the U.S. citizen girl was shot dead on Balochi Street.
Authorities have charged Anwar ul-Haq with murder, although the exact proof of his U.S. citizenship remains unclear. Pakistani police are continuing their investigation into the tragic killing, and questions about the involvement of the U.S. embassy remain unanswered.
