Court extends physical remand of Samiya Hijab case suspect

A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Sunday extended the physical remand of Hasan Zahid, the main suspect in the Samiya Hijab abduction and threats case, for three more days.

The suspect was produced before Duty Magistrate Azhar Nadeem after completing his initial five-day remand. During the hearing, the defence requested the court to first review the previous remand order and asked police to explain progress made during the earlier custody period.

The court was presented with transaction records between Zahid and social media influencer Samiya Hijab, along with a video statement from her parents. The defence maintained that Zahid and Samiya were engaged and submitted photographs in support of the claim.

The prosecution, however, argued that Rs45,000 had been recovered from Zahid and said his vehicle, weapons, and alleged accomplices had not yet been traced. It sought an eight-day extension of remand for further investigation.

The defence also stated that Zahid had already obtained bail in one case but was subsequently arrested in another. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved a three-day extension instead of the eight days requested by the prosecution