Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media app, only to discover that a beloved influencer has been tragically taken from us. This is the harsh reality for Sumera Rajput’s followers, as her untimely death raises chilling questions about safety for women in the digital age.

Sumera, a TikTok sensation with over 58,000 followers and over a million likes, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in her home located in the Bago Wah area of Sindh’s Ghotki district. The shocking claim comes from her 15-year-old daughter, who alleges that her mother was murdered by individuals who had long been pressuring her into a forced marriage. According to her daughter, Sumera was given poisonous tablets that ultimately led to her tragic demise, as reported by Geo News.

Despite the gravity of the situation, only two people have been detained thus far, and tragically, no formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed. The police have stated that an investigation is underway to determine if foul play is indeed involved. This case is not an isolated incident; it is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against female influencers in Pakistan. Just last month, another young TikTok star, 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, was shot dead in her home in Islamabad after rejecting the advances of a persistent suitor.

The unsettling similarities between these cases expose a dark underbelly of social media culture in Pakistan, where women are often targeted for their online presence. Sana, who was known for her vibrant blend of Chitrali folk music and advocacy for girls’ education, had built a formidable following despite being only 15 and in her freshman year of medical school. Her tragic end sparked outrage online, with the hashtag #JusticeForSanaYousaf trending across platforms like Instagram and X, igniting a call for change.

Born on June 2, 2008, in Upper Chitral, Sana's family was deeply rooted in activism. Her father is a local campaigner, and she used her platform to challenge societal norms, attracting over half a million followers. Her vibrant personality drew comparisons with the popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, but instead of celebrating her progressive contributions, the culture of harassment led to her murder.

Sadly, the deaths of Sumera and Sana are not isolated incidents. A similar case occurred in January when a 15-year-old girl named Hira was allegedly murdered by her own father and uncle for refusing to stop using TikTok. In a society where women’s voices are often silenced, their lives are tragically cut short, leaving us to ponder: what price do women pay for expressing themselves online?

This disturbing trend began gaining international attention in 2016 when social media personality Qandeel Baloch was murdered by her brother, igniting debates on women’s rights and safety in Pakistan. As the world watches, it becomes increasingly clear that the fight for justice and safety is far from over.