Samiya Hijab Raises Allegations of Harassment and Kidnapping Attempt

Islamabad — Pakistani Social media influencer Samiya Hijab has alleged that a man, Hassan Zahid, harassed her for months and attempted to kidnap her on August 31, 2025, after she repeatedly rejected his marriage proposals. After Hijab posted a video about the incident, Islamabad police swiftly arrested Zahid.
Authorities say the matter is under active investigation and have cautioned that all claims remain allegations until tested in court.
Details of the alleged incident
- Stalking and threats: According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Shalimar Police Station, Zahid had been harassing and stalking Hijab for several months. He sent her unwanted gifts and threatened her when she refused his proposals.
- Attempted abduction: On the evening of August 31, 2025, Zahid allegedly appeared outside Hijab’s house. While her mother was ill and her brother was away, Zahid reportedly snatched her phone and tried to force her into his car. Hijab stated she was physically assaulted and sustained injuries while fighting him off.
- Evidence and reporting: Hijab recorded and reported part of the incident to the authorities. She also shared her ordeal on social media, leading to public outrage.
- Fear for safety: In her video statement, Hijab referenced the murder of her friend, TikToker Sana Yousaf, who was killed after rejecting a proposal earlier in 2025. Hijab feared meeting a similar fate, stating, “I do not want to become another Sana”.
Police and legal action
- Arrest and confession: Following Hijab’s complaint and video, the Islamabad Police arrested Hassan Zahid within 24 hours. On September 2, 2025, Zahid confessed in court before a judicial magistrate, stating, “Sir, I made a mistake”.
- Physical remand: The court granted a five-day physical remand for Zahid, placing him in police custody for further investigation.
- Registered charges: A case has been registered against Zahid under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges include harassment, attempted abduction, assault, and robbery.
- Police protection: Police have deployed officers outside Hijab’s residence to ensure her safety, as she continued to receive threats from the suspect after filing her complaint.
- Call for justice: Hijab has called for an exemplary punishment for the suspect, stating her fight for justice is for herself and all women facing similar threats.
What happened and when
According to the first information report (FIR) and subsequent coverage, Samiya told police that a man had been following and pressuring her for days, offering gifts and trying to coerce a relationship. On the evening of August 31, 2025, around 6:30 pm, she says he confronted her outside her home, snatched her phone, and tried to force her into a vehicle. She adds that she has CCTV footage she believes supports her account.
The complaint was lodged at Shalimar Police Station in Islamabad. The incident quickly moved from social media to an official criminal inquiry after her video statement circulated online and local media picked up the story.

Police response and arrest
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police confirmed the arrest of the named suspect soon after the complaint, saying the action followed her FIR and public statement. Initial reports noted that the arrest occurred within roughly a day of the alleged attempt. Police also emphasized that evidence collection was underway.
Coverage from several outlets identifies the suspect as Hassan Zahid. Authorities registered cases that across reports include sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman), 365 (kidnapping/abduction), 392 (robbery), 500 (defamation), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and 511 (attempt to commit an offense), among others. (Exact section lists differ slightly by outlet as the matter progressed.)
Court proceedings so far
By September 3, 2025, an Islamabad court had granted police a physical remand of the suspect, reported as five days to continue the investigation. This development followed news that more than one FIR had been registered as the case evolved. These updates indicate the investigation is active and the charges are being tested through standard legal procedures.
It’s worth underlining that remand is not a conviction; it allows investigators time to question the suspect and gather evidence under judicial oversight. Facts on the public record can change as statements are recorded, evidence is forensically examined, and prosecutors finalize their stance.
The evidence under discussion
Samiya has referenced CCTV footage and visible injuries in her statements and posts, material she says substantiates the harassment and attempted abduction claims. Media reports describe her handing this over or citing it within her complaint. The contents of any CCTV or medical assessments will ultimately be weighed by investigators and, if charged, by a court.
Broader context: harassment, coercion, and public figures
The case sits inside a wider national conversation about harassment and coercion on and offline, particularly targeting women with public profiles. In recent months, commentators have urged consistent enforcement of existing laws and better victim protection, noting how online attention can translate into offline risks. Coverage of Samiya’s case situates it alongside other high-profile incidents, underscoring a perceived need to strengthen deterrence and survivor support mechanisms.
What the law says
While only a court can determine guilt, the sections cited across reports outline Pakistan’s legal view of the conduct alleged:
- Section 354 PPC addresses assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty.
- Section 365 PPC covers kidnapping or abduction with the intent to confine a person.
- Section 392 PPC relates to robbery.
- Section 500 PPC addresses defamation.
- Section 509 PPC concerns words, gestures, or acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty.
- Section 511 PPC covers attempts to commit an offense.
These sections, used in combination, indicate that investigators are exploring a pattern that includes harassment, violence, and an alleged attempt at unlawful confinement. The exact mix will matter for bail considerations and any eventual indictment.
Where things stand today
As of September 3, 2025, the suspect is in police custody on physical remand while investigators pursue leads. Media note that at least two FIRs are on file related to the matter. Samiya, for her part, has publicly thanked police for moving quickly and has called for firm accountability through the courts.
Responsible reporting note
This article reflects what reputable outlets and official communications have reported to date. Allegations remain allegations until proven, and both complainant and accused have rights under Pakistani law. Facts may change as more evidence is examined or additional court orders are issued. Readers should treat viral social media claims with caution and rely on updates from established newsrooms and official channels.
Sources used for this article:
Dawn’s initial arrest report and follow-up remand coverage; The Express Tribune’s timeline and FIR details; Samaa TV’s breakdown of the PPC sections; Geo’s update on physical remand; and related official-statement summaries carried by multiple outlets. These sources collectively underpin the dates, locations, sections cited, and procedural posture described above.