GUJRANWALA: What began as a dispute over TikTok followers and views between two sisters in Gujranwala district ended in tragedy when a 15-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her 18-year-old sister, police said.
Police in Ladhe Wala Warraich registered a murder case on a complaint from the sisters’ father and arrested the elder sister. Police said a knife allegedly used in the killing was recovered from the suspect.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing role of social media in young people’s lives, where followers, views and online popularity can become a source of intense competition.
A family gathering turns violent
According to the first information report filed at Ladhe Wala Warraich police station, the family had guests at their home and relatives were sitting in the courtyard when they heard a commotion from the roof.
The father, Abdul Shakoor Khan, told police that the sisters were arguing over money when the dispute escalated. The elder daughter allegedly picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed her younger sister in the back.
The girl suffered severe injuries and lost a significant amount of blood. Family members attempted to provide first aid, but she died from her injuries, according to the complaint.
Police Station House Officer Mohammad Afzal said the suspect’s initial statement indicated that the sisters had also been arguing over their TikTok followings.
According to the police account, the suspect claimed that her younger sister had more followers and accused her of taking followers away from her account. Police said the disagreement eventually turned violent.
Police investigation underway
Police have arrested the 18-year-old suspect and said the alleged weapon has been recovered. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The victim was identified as Zobia Manahil, also known as Ayesha, according to police records.
The girl’s father, who works as a driver and has six daughters and a son, said he handed his elder daughter over to police himself and intended to pursue the case against her.
The family has been left dealing with the loss of one daughter and the arrest of another.
A relative, Ghulam Rasool, said the sisters had started making TikTok videos and food vlogs in hopes of becoming financially independent.
He described both girls as obedient and respectful toward their parents and said the family was struggling to cope with the tragedy.
Legal support for the suspect
The arrest has also raised questions about the suspect’s right to legal representation.
Criminal law expert Sheikh Usman said Pakistani law protects an accused person’s right to a defense and that the absence of a private lawyer does not prevent legal proceedings.
He said courts can provide a state-funded lawyer when an accused person cannot afford legal representation or does not have a lawyer available.
In Punjab, legal assistance is also available through free legal aid mechanisms involving lawyers associated with the Punjab Bar Council and district bar associations, he said.
The Punjab Public Prosecution Department can also provide legal assistance to eligible defendants in serious criminal cases under the Punjab Legal Aid Act 2018, according to the lawyer.
Social Media’s growing influence
The case comes as TikTok and other social media platforms become increasingly popular among young Pakistanis seeking both recognition and income.
Digital media researcher Arham Shafi said younger users increasingly view platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as potential sources of income, encouraging them to compete for followers and views.
He said TikTok’s monetization system can provide direct payments to eligible creators, making large audiences financially valuable.
According to Shafi, some creators also use accounts registered in countries such as the United States or United Kingdom because those accounts can offer higher payouts.
For many young people facing limited traditional employment opportunities, social media has become a way to pursue part-time or full-time income, he said.
The growing competition for followers, views, money and online recognition can make social media a powerful influence in users’ lives. In this case, police allege that a dispute between two sisters over social media popularity escalated into a fatal confrontation.
