“The motive is under investigation.”
Television and film actor Rana Aftab was shot dead on January 19 2026, after unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle outside his Lahore residence.
The fatal shooting took place around 8:40 am in a private housing society when Aftab stepped out of his home.
According to police records, the incident unfolded swiftly as armed men intercepted his car moments after he exited the gate.
The First Information Report was registered on the complaint of his wife, Huma Aftab, who detailed the terrifying sequence.
In the FIR, she stated that “three to four unidentified men” arrived in a golden Corolla and blocked her husband’s vehicle.
Investigators said one assailant stepped out and opened fire using a Kalashnikov-type weapon at close range.
Multiple bullets struck the vehicle, leaving Rana Aftab critically injured before the attackers fled the scene immediately.
Huma Aftab’s brothers, Khurram Munsha and Faisal, witnessed the aftermath after hearing gunshots from inside the house.
Police confirmed the suspects escaped through the One Way Society main gate within seconds of the attack.
Describing the shooter, officials said he was “around five feet five inches tall, wheatish complexion, medium build, wearing shalwar kameez”.
Rana Aftab was rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead before emergency treatment could begin.
His body was shifted for postmortem examination as police registered a murder case against unknown assailants.
Lahore Operations DIG Faisal Kamran disclosed that the main shooter has been arrested. However, his accomplices have yet to be traced.
Beyond his acting career, Rana Aftab had served as deputy director in the Excise Department before retiring.
After retirement, he was associated with Style Textile, balancing professional commitments alongside selective acting appearances.
In television, Aftab became widely recognised for portraying authoritative characters, particularly judges and senior lawyers.
His notable television work included Lal Andhi, Log, Rakhwala, and Ek Mohabbat Azmaish, along with Punjabi PTV dramas.
Colleagues remember him for his commanding screen presence and measured dialogue delivery.
On the big screen, he appeared in films such as Aman Ke Rakhwale, Wehshi Gujjar, Miss Italy, and Madam Charlie.
He also featured in Sher e Lahore and Qabza Group, contributing to commercial Punjabi cinema during its peak years.
News of Rana Aftab’s murder sent shockwaves across the television and film fraternity, with many expressing disbelief.
While public tributes continue to emerge, questions surrounding security and targeted violence remain unresolved.
Police officials reiterated that “the motive is under investigation” and urged patience as forensic work continues.
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