Social media influencer Samiya Hijab and Hassan Zahid, the accused in her abduction case, have reportedly reached an out-of-court settlement. The development surfaced on Saturday, marking another twist in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
According to case updates, complainant Samiya Hijab did not attend the scheduled hearing. At the same time, Hassan Zahid’s legal team withdrew bail petitions from the magistrate court due to jurisdiction issues. Fresh applications were filed in the district and sessions court in Islamabad for further proceedings.
Additional Sessions Judge Amir Zia issued notices to both parties and adjourned the hearing until September 15.
Judicial Proceedings and Remand Details
Just a day earlier, Zahid had been sent to jail on judicial remand in connection with the case. He was produced before Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood, where police requested a five-day physical remand for additional investigation. However, the court dismissed the request and instead ordered judicial remand.
This decision followed weeks of escalating developments since the complaint was filed, with both legal and social dimensions adding complexity to the case.
Allegations Against Zahid
Samiya Hijab, who has nearly 850,000 followers on Instagram and a strong TikTok presence, publicly accused Zahid of harassment and attempted abduction. She claimed that Zahid, with whom she had a prior relationship, had been harassing her for months by issuing threats and pressuring her into marriage.
In a video statement, Hijab described how Zahid allegedly appeared outside her residence, seized her phone, and tried to force her into his car. She explained that her mother was ill and her brother was not home at the time, leaving her vulnerable to the incident.
“My mother was unwell, my brother was away. He grabbed my phone, sat in his car, and attempted to force me inside,” Hijab explained in her Instagram video.
Samiya’s Appeal to Authorities
Following the alleged incident, Hijab reached out directly to Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. She requested official protection and expressed gratitude toward the police for quickly registering her complaint and acting against the accused.
Her appeal highlighted broader concerns over women’s safety in Pakistan, particularly for public figures and influencers who face additional risks due to their online visibility.
Settlement and Pending Hearing
While reports suggest that both parties have opted for an out-of-court settlement, the legal process is still ongoing. Judge Amir Zia has adjourned the hearing until September 15, where further developments are expected.
The case continues to generate widespread debate on social media, with many followers expressing solidarity with Hijab and demanding stronger laws to protect women from harassment and abduction attempts.
As the next hearing approaches, attention will remain focused on how the judiciary addresses the settlement and whether the case sets a precedent for similar situations in the future.
