TAXILA: A local court in Taxila on Monday granted four-day physical remand of two alleged shooters arrested in connection with the targeted killing of TikToker Shamsu Bibi alias Ayesha Gilamana, while the victim’s father, brother and paternal uncle were sent to Adiala jail on 14-day judicial remand, police sources said.

The two alleged shooters were produced before Area Magistrate Mohammad Asif Iqbal, who handed them over to police for further interrogation as investigators sought to determine their precise roles in the Aug 14 murder and establish who allegedly planned and executed the attack.

The latest court proceedings are viewed as a major development in the high-profile case, with the investigation taking a dramatic turn after police alleged that the killing had been planned in advance and involved members of the victim’s family.

The victim’s father, brother and uncle were also produced before the magistrate and subsequently sent to Adiala jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Father, brother, uncle of victim sent to Adiala jail

According to police investigators, the three family members allegedly had a role in planning or facilitating the murder.

The allegations, however, remain part of the investigation and have yet to be established before a court. Police said the two alleged shooters would be interrogated about the planning, execution and alleged facilitation of the attack. Investigators are also attempting to establish the chain of communication between the alleged shooters and other suspects.

The murder took place on Aug 14 when armed men allegedly opened fire on a vehicle carrying 28-year-old Ayesha and her younger sister in Taxila. Ayesha suffered multiple bullet wounds and died, while her sister was injured in the attack.

The incident initially appeared to be a targeted attack by unidentified assailants. Ayesha’s father had subsequently lodged a murder case, with several suspects nominated in connection with the killing.

The investigation later widened after police detained suspected facilitators and examined CCTV footage, mobile-phone data and other technical evidence. Police also conducted geofencing around the crime scene as part of efforts to trace the movements and communications of the suspects. Investigators eventually arrested Kashif alias Kashi, one of the suspects named in the original case, before making further arrests that included members of Ayesha’s family. Police have alleged that the murder was planned over Ayesha’s social-media activities and family-related differences. The exact motive, however, remains subject to investigation and judicial determination.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026