Islamabad (By Ehsan Bukhari Special Reporter) :
In the federal capital’s Shalimar Police Station jurisdiction, police have failed to make significant progress in the case involving the alleged abduction and threats against TikToker Samia Hijab. Despite a five-day physical remand of the accused, Hassan Zahid, police have only recovered Rs. 45,000 and have yet to seize the vehicle, weapon, or apprehend the alleged accomplices.
The accused was presented before the court after the completion of the five-day remand, where Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Azhar Nadeem granted a three-day extension in physical remand. The defense counsel pointed out inconsistencies, stating that the initial remand was for two days, but the accused was produced five days later. The court was told that a clerical error in the previous remand order had been corrected promptly.
During the hearing, the defense presented the transaction history between Hassan Zahid and Samia Hijab and submitted a video statement by Samia about her parents. The court was informed that the two were engaged, with their engagement photos presented as evidence. The defense also argued that the accused was at Jinnah Super Market at the time of the alleged incident, and that when he asked for his money back, Samia gave him fake receipts.
The prosecution stated that although Rs. 45,000 had been recovered, they still needed to recover the car, weapon, and arrest the accomplices. They requested an additional eight-day remand. The court, however, granted a three-day extension.
Meanwhile, there has been a major development in the case. Sources close to the accused Hassan Zahid, who is currently in police custody, claim he has made several sensational revelations. According to the sources, Samia Hijab hails from Chakwal and lived in a girls’ hostel on Sixth Road, Rawalpindi, a few years ago. During that time, she began appearing in minor advertisements for shisha lounges.
She later moved to Sector E-11 in Islamabad, where she has been living with her mother and younger brother in various rented homes. Hassan Zahid, a Lahore resident reportedly involved in the car trading business, allegedly entered into a relationship with Samia about eight months ago. He claims he paid Rs. 150,000 per month for her current residence and also provided a new model black Honda Civic on rent at Rs. 125,000 per month.
According to Zahid, he also paid for her household expenses, utility bills, and even purchased expensive drugs like cocaine for her, worth several lakhs. He said he lived with Samia and her family and had also rented a separate flat in E-11. Sources added that Samia often kept large sums of his business cash with her.
The incident reportedly stemmed from an argument that began when Zahid saw a message from another man on Samia’s phone. Zahid admitted to physically assaulting her multiple times. A few days prior to the incident, they also stayed at Serena Hotel, with Zahid paying Rs. 150,000 for the stay.
On the day of the incident, Zahid reportedly demanded Rs. 5 million from Samia, claiming it was money he had given her for the purchase of a vehicle. When she refused, a heated argument followed, during which Samia allegedly tried to snatch his phone. This led to a physical altercation. Later, Samia uploaded a video on social media claiming her life was in danger and sought police protection.
Police acted swiftly, registered a case, and arrested Zahid after several raids. He remains in police custody under physical remand.
On the other hand, Samia Hijab has claimed that Hassan Zahid is a con artist, and his car business is just a front. She said he has no stable income and is already facing multiple FIRs. According to her, Zahid was surviving on her money for several months and was pressuring her to marry him. Upon her refusal, he allegedly issued threats of abduction and murder.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and further facts will be revealed once the inquiry is completed.
