On January 28, 2025, the tragic murder of Hira Anwar, a 15-year-old girl born in the United States but raised for part of her life there, shocked the community of Quetta, located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Hira was shot dead by her father, Anwar ul-Haq, reportedly because she continued to share videos on TikTok, which he deemed objectionable.
Having recently returned to Pakistan after spending 25 years abroad, ul-Haq initially tried to deflect blame, claiming unknown assailants shot his daughter. But following police investigations, he confessed, admitting he had killed Hira for her social media activity. This heinous act is being treated as a potential honor killing—an increasingly common occurrence where family members resort to violence to preserve their perceived honor.
According to police official Babar Baloch, ul-Haq's motive stemmed from his disapproval of his daughter’s choice of clothing and lifestyle. "Our investigation so far has found...objectionable content on TikTok," remarked investigator Zohaib Mohsin. This sentiment echoes through numerous cases, highlighting the internalized patriarchal values prevalent not only in Pakistan but also among many communities globally.
Reports indicate the murder took place just under two weeks after the family returned to their native land, emphasizing the disconnect many individuals experience when caught between diverse cultures. Before relocating back to Pakistan, Hira’s family had settled in the United States where her online presence on platforms like TikTok had been established. Investigators note, "Hira had been posting content on TikTok even before they returned to Pakistan."
So-called honor killings often arise when family members perceive individuals as 'damaging' their reputation. These tragic events disproportionately affect women. Each year, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan estimates more than 1,000 women become victims of these murders, often executed by close family members. Such killings are justified under the guise of protecting family honor.
The cruel irony lies within the statistics—Pakistan has seen 346 women and 185 men lose their lives to honor killings just this year, reflecting dire societal issues. Last year, similar statistics accounted for 314 women and 176 men. Disconcertingly, any perceived deviation from traditional norms or behaviors is enough to draw fatal responses from relatives.
Anwar ul-Haq is now facing scrutiny, alongside his brother-in-law, who was also arrested linked to Hira's shocking death. Following police procedures, both men have been remanded for ten days as investigations continue. Under laws introduced to combat honor killings, the potential for life sentences awaits once the killing is confirmed as such—a grim reminder of the harsh realities of human rights violations worldwide.
Despite the challenges, social media remains immensely popular across Pakistan, hosting over 54 million users. Platforms like TikTok present both opportunities for self-expression and serious cultural conflicts. The government has frequently faced criticism for its inability to moderate content properly and issues often arise around perceived obscenity, leading to temporary bans on several occasions.
It remains uncertain if representatives from the U.S. Embassy have intervened, but the implications of this incident are stark. Hira’s tragic story serves as yet another harrowing example of the gap between modern cultural practices and traditional values clashing violently.
Widespread campaigns are needed to raise awareness of honor killings—an abhorrent practice entrenched deep within societal norms. Victims and their families often face insurmountable pressure, leading to devastating consequences. Nevertheless, highlighting Hira's story can amplify the urgency for change, human rights advocacy, and the need to deconstruct the harmful ideologies underpinning these acts of violence.