Islamabad police have arrested a man within 24 hours of an attempted abduction allegedly targeting Samiya Hijab, a prominent social media influencer. The incident occurred outside her residence, where the suspect, identified by Hijab as Hassan Zahid from Lahore, reportedly snatched her phone and attempted to force her into his car. In a video statement, Hijab revealed that the man had been subjecting her to months of harassment, including threats and demands for marriage.
Hijab powerfully contextualized her fear by invoking the recent murder of teenage TikToker Sana, who was killed after rejecting a proposal. “I do not want to become Sana,” she stated, highlighting the extreme dangers women can face for refusing advances. Following the incident, she directly appealed to Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi for protection, while simultaneously praising the police for their swift action in registering her complaint.
The police response was notably rapid, leading to the suspect’s arrest within a day. Despite his detention, Hijab reported receiving fresh death threats from the suspect, demanding she withdraw the First Information Report (FIR). As a result, police officers have been deployed outside her home for her security. A medical examination has also been conducted, which Hijab confirmed verified evidence of physical assault.
Following the arrest, Hijab publicly thanked the Islamabad IG and local SHOs for their support. She is now calling upon the judiciary to ensure an exemplary punishment for the suspect, arguing that a strong message is needed to deter such crimes. Declaring that she will continue to speak out, Hijab has positioned her struggle not just as a personal cause, but as a stand for “every girl who is feeling unsafe right now.”
