TikToker Ayesha Shamu’s murder was linked to financial dispute but it turned into deeply disturbing murder investigation after police arrested her father and brother along with three other relatives over allegations that the social media influencer was killed in the name of honour.
Taxila Police arrested five suspects, including her father Fazal, her brother, a paternal cousin, her father’s uncle and the son of her paternal cousin. Initial probe suggested that Ayesha was allegedly killed at the behest of her father and brother with the assistance of other accused persons. The investigation was still underway and warned that further probing could uncover additional details.
The latest development sent shockwaves through the case because Ayesha’s father was initially the complainant who approached police and had the FIR registered. At the time, the family claimed that Ayesha had been killed over a financial dispute.
Her father reportedly told investigators that his daughter had complained about two men who had allegedly taken money from her and were threatening to kill her. Her brother Rehmatullah also initially maintained that financial dealings were behind the murder.
The investigation later took a dramatic turn when police said the evidence gathered during the probe raised suspicion about members of Ayesha’s own family.
Police formed several special investigation teams on the instructions of CPO Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera. Investigators examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras while also using human intelligence and other sources to reconstruct the attack. According to police, the circumstances and evidence eventually led investigators to Ayesha’s father and brother.
Police allege that the suspects disclosed their alleged involvement in arranging the killing with the assistance of other accused persons.
Who was Ayesha Gulmina?
Ayesha Gulmina, widely known as Ayesha Shamsu, was a 28-year-old Pakistani TikTok creator and social media influencer from the Taxila area. She had reportedly been active on TikTok for around three to four years and had built massive following.
Her TikTok account had accumulated around 30 to 35 million likes, while her YouTube channel had approximately 176,000 subscribers. Her YouTube presence mainly featured reposted livestream material involving Ayesha and other creators. She was known for casual entertainment and everyday lifestyle content that attracted a sizeable Pakistani audience.
After her death, her social media accounts were reportedly made private before being deactivated by her family.
Ayesha was reportedly the third among 10 siblings and had three children. Her 15-year-old sister, identified in different reports as Asmiya, Asmia, Aseema or Asma Bibi, was seriously wounded in the attack. Her brother Nematullah was reportedly driving when the gunmen opened fire.
Other siblings mentioned in reports include Bashir, Rehmatullah and Shafihullah. Ayesha reportedly lived separately from her parents in a rented house in Islamabad. Her family originated from Lower Dir and had been living in the Taxila area for several months.
The case has now transformed from a suspected street murder linked to money into a high-profile investigation involving allegations against Ayesha’s closest relatives.
With her father and brother among those arrested, police are continuing to investigate the alleged honour killing theory and the roles of the other suspects and possible accomplices. Further findings are expected to determine the motive and establish how the deadly attack was allegedly planned.
