Sana Yousaf Case: Consent, Safety & Justice

When does admiration become harassment? Why is the simple act of saying “no” so difficult for some to accept? And what responsibilities do individuals, families, communities, and digital platforms share in creating a safer society? The tragic killing of Sana Yousaf shocked Pakistan and reignited conversations about consent, personal boundaries, and the consequences of entitlement and gender-based violence. Her story also challenges common misconceptions about social media. Far from being merely a source of distraction or harm, Sana used digital platforms to celebrate her culture, advocate for girls’ education, and support underprivileged young women. This conversation seeks to move beyond headlines and ask difficult but necessary questions. What does “No means no” mean in practice? How can we teach respect for personal boundaries? How do we protect young people – especially women – in both physical and digital spaces? And how can social media be harnessed as a force for creativity, education, and social good while addressing the risks it can also create? Featuring parents of Sana Yousaf and their legal representative, this discussion aims to help us understand consent, dignity, accountability and the shared responsibility of building a more respectful and compassionate society. This discussion will be hosted by Absa Komal, a renowned broadcast journalist and rights’ defender.