A New York man has been arrested after he allegedly admitted to killing his teenage daughter because he did not approve of her TikTok content. The victim, 14-year-old Hira Anwar from New York, was shot dead by her father and uncle on January 27, 2025, shortly after arriving in Quetta, Pakistan, on what she believed was a family vacation. Local authorities have labeled her death as an "honor killing," the killing of someone by relatives due to perceived dishonor brought upon the family.
Hira's father, Anwar ul-Haq, originally confessed to police claiming random gunmen attacked them but later recanted and admitted he pulled the trigger. According to police investigator Zohaib Mohsin, "Our investigation so far has found... the family had an objection to her dressing, lifestyle, and social gathering." The disapproval stemmed from videos Hira posted online, which her father deemed inappropriate.
Hira was born and raised in New York, where she began creating TikTok content, much to her father's chagrin. After living for 25 years in the U.S., Anwar ul-Haq moved his family back to Pakistan, where he reportedly believed they could instill more traditional values. Hira's content continued even after the move to Pakistan, heightening her father’s objections.
Honor killings are alarmingly common within certain families and communities in Pakistan, often justified by notions of familial honor and shame. According to unnamed sources commenting on the issue, these killings typically involve male relatives who feel their family name has been tarnished. "Honor killing is the murder of someone, usually a girl or woman, by a family member who feels their behavior is bringing shame to the entire family," said one source.
The case of Hira Anwar is particularly alarming as it highlights the intersection of cultural expectations and the impact of social media on family dynamics. According to the New York Times, Hira was described as "an average New York teen" who enjoyed laughing with friends and expressing herself online. Yet, her parents, Pakistani immigrants, had different expectations for her behavior, emphasizing modesty and adherence to traditional values.
Human rights advocates have long condemned the prevalence of honor killings, which seem to be on the rise, even with laws meant to curb them. Imaan Mazari, a human rights lawyer, remarked, "Where there is no certainty of punishment, and in fact impunity for even the most heinous offenses, the existence of laws themselves doesn’t mean very much." The 2016 legal changes aimed at preventing killers from avoiding punishment have not substantially improved the situation, as seen from the lack of accountability for many perpetrators.
Hira’s tragic death, occurring just days after she arrived to visit family, caught the attention of numerous rights organizations, who expressed dismay. Given the unique circumstances—an American citizen killed by her father—officials are now considering the possible diplomatic ramifications as well.
Haq's brother-in-law has also been arrested, indicating the investigation may yet reveal more about the family's broader dynamics and whether other family members were involved. The simple act of posting videos led to devastating consequences, underscoring the grave disparities between cultural expectations for women and the freedoms enjoyed by their peers elsewhere.
The murder of Hira Anwar and the chilling nature of her father’s admission call for urgent action to address the systemic issues surrounding honor-related violence. Despite some legislative progress, the cultural and societal frameworks enabling such tragedies remain largely intact, leaving many vulnerable. This case serves as not only a warning but also as documentation of how deep-seated beliefs can lead to tragic outcomes, prompting important discussions around cultural identity, familial obligation, and the rights of young women.
Authorities have confirmed they are currently holding Anwar ul-Haq, who could face life imprisonment if convicted of murder, along with his brother-in-law. The case has opened the door to discussions surrounding the nature of honor killings, especially when they involve citizens of the West, and the necessity for comprehensive measures to protect young women like Hira from the harms of radical paternal authority.