RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — Police in Rawalpindi have arrested five people, including the father and brother of TikTok personality Ayesha Gulmina, in connection with her killing, with investigators saying the murder may have been motivated by so-called honour. Gulmina, also known as Shamsu Bibi, was shot dead on Aug. 14 in the limits of Taxila police station. Her father, Fazal, had initially filed the murder case, alleging that she was killed over a financial dispute. Police said on Saturday that their investigation later turned towards the victim's family. The five suspects arrested include Gulmina's father, her brother, a cousin, her father's uncle and the son of her cousin.
Senior Superintendent of Police Operations Tariq Mehboob said investigators had examined more than 100 CCTV cameras and used other sources of intelligence before questioning the family members. "Initial investigations suggest that the murder was allegedly carried out in the name of honour," Mehboob told reporters, adding that further investigation could reveal additional details. According to police, the suspects allegedly worked with other accomplices to arrange Gulmina's killing and attempted to mislead investigators by creating a false narrative about the attack.
What happened?
According to the initial police report filed by Gulmina's father, she received a phone call on Aug. 14 asking her to leave her home. She then travelled towards her father's house with her brother and sister. The report said two unidentified motorcycle riders opened fire on her vehicle near Faisal Town. A bullet struck Gulmina in the neck, killing her at the scene. Her brother, who was driving the vehicle, subsequently lost control and collided with a dumper truck. He and Gulmina's sister were injured in the crash. The initial complaint alleged that the killing was linked to a financial dispute. Gulmina's brother also told local media at the time that money-related issues were believed to be behind the attack.
Police have since said their investigation points towards a different motive and that the suspects' alleged involvement emerged during questioning. Gulmina had reportedly been active on TikTok for several years and had around 1.3 million followers, according to the initial police complaint. Police said further investigation is continuing, while legal proceedings against the arrested suspects are under way.
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