Rising Violence Against Pakistani Women Online Sparks Outcry

The murder of Shamso Bibi, a 28‑year‑old TikTok star known as Ayesha Gilamana, has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s digital community. On August 14, two assailants on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on her car in Taxila, near the capital. The fatal bullet struck her throat; her sister was left critically wounded after their car crashed into a dump truck.

Family members claim the tragedy is linked to a financial dispute, and the victim’s brother has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for intervention. Their father, Fazal Sahabzada, lodged a police complaint asserting that a man called Kashif had lured Shamso from their home before the shooting.

Shamso’s online portfolio, assembled over three to four years, amassed more than ten million followers and over 30 million likes, making her one of the most prominent female creators in the country. Her death spotlights the escalating danger faced by women who share content publicly.

A recent report by the Islamabad‑based think‑tank Sahil documents 3,172 gender‑based crimes recorded in the first half of 2026. The tally includes 644 killings, 514 cases of torture, 462 kidnappings, 363 suicides, 280 rapes, 175 serious injuries, 132 honor‑related murders, and 21 other offenses. Of the victims, 334 were aged 21‑30, 306 were between 11‑20, and 120 fell in the 31‑40 range; however, age details were missing for roughly 71 % of the cases.