Influenced by TikTok, Mukhtar fatally shot his teacher, Sheikh Adnan, over 500 rupees. A decade ago, Sheikh Adnan, a shopkeeper in Qissa Khwani, had hired Mukhtar as an apprentice. Initially, Mukhtar earned a modest salary. However, his recent exposure to violent TikTok content and Pashto films spurred an interest in aggression. This led to frequent local altercations. As a result, Sheikh Adnan dismissed him six months ago, distressing Mukhtar deeply.
Mukhtar recently demanded his old job back despite the position being filled. In a fit of rage, he shot Sheikh Adnan, who succumbed to his injuries after 24 hours. The police arrested Mukhtar, initiated an investigation, and registered an FIR at Kabuli Police Station.
The misuse of TikTok has proven deadly elsewhere. In Peshawar, three young men have died under similar circumstances. The trend of flaunting weapons and threatening behaviour on TikTok influenced many, including Mukhtar. Local police note that TikTok’s adverse effects on the youth are escalating, linking it to three recent deaths.
