How is TikTok Fueling Honor Killings in Pakistan?

In recent times, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing trend in which young women become targets of honor killings due to their activity on social media platforms like TikTok. These incidents highlight the clash between social media fascination and traditional societal norms.

Rising Honor-Killing Incidents

Recently, in Jhelum’s Dhoke Korean area, a 20-year-old woman was allegedly shot dead by her brothers for making TikTok videos. The issue began when neighbors objected to her video-making, leading to a family confrontation. During the family tussle, the brothers got enraged and reportedly opened fire, killing her on the spot. They then attempted to stage the incident as a suicide and tried to erase evidence. However, forensic teams collected crucial evidence, and the police are pursuing legal action against the perpetrators.

In another tragic case, 15-year-old Hira, an American-Pakistani dual national, was shot dead in Quetta. The girl’s father and maternal uncle allegedly murdered her after she refused to stop making TikTok videos. The family had recently returned to Pakistan from the United States. Initially, the father blamed an unknown gunman but later confessed to the crime. Both men disapproved of Hira’s social media presence, deeming it inappropriate.

A prominent social media personality, Qandeel Baloch was known for her bold online presence, which challenged societal norms. In 2016, she was strangled by her brother, who confessed to the crime, stating that her behavior had brought dishonor to the family. This incident sparked national and international outrage, highlighting the dangers faced by women who defy traditional expectations in Pakistan.

A few years ago, in a remote village in Kohistan, a video surfaced showing a young man dancing while four girls clapped and sang along. The footage was deemed dishonorable by local tribal leaders, leading to a jirga (tribal council) decision that the participants should be killed. Despite national attention and legal interventions, reports suggest that the girls were murdered to uphold tribal honor.

These cases are not isolated. In 2024, Pakistan recorded at least 346 honor killings, with the majority of victims being women. Despite legal reforms, these practices persist, with human rights defenders estimating that around 1,000 women are murdered in the name of honor every year in the country.

Societal Implications and the Path Forward

These incidents reflect a broader societal struggle in Pakistan, where rapid modernization and social media adoption are compared against deeply entrenched traditional values. The concept of “honor” remains a powerful social currency, often dictating family and community actions. While legal frameworks have been strengthened to address honor-based violence, enforcement remains inconsistent. Moreover, legal measures alone are insufficient. There is a pressing need for comprehensive societal change, which includes:

• Implementing educational programs that promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms from a young age.
• Working with local leaders to shift perceptions of honor and emphasize the value of individual rights.
• Establishing safe spaces and support networks for individuals, especially women, who may be at risk due to their personal choices or expressions.

The tragic intersection of social media use and honor-based violence in Pakistan highlights a critical societal dilemma. Platforms like TikTok offer avenues for self-expression and empowerment, however, they also expose deep-seated cultural tensions. Pakistani society must reconcile these differences, promoting an environment where individuals can express themselves without fear of retribution.

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