Man arrested for harassing, attempting to kidnap social media influencer Samiya Hijab

Islamabad police have arrested a man for allegedly harassing and attempting to kidnap social media influencer Samiya Hijab.

According to a police spokesperson, the arrest was made after her formal complaint and video statement. 

An FIR has been registered at the Shalimar Police Station under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 365 (kidnapping or abduction with intent to confine a person wrongfully), 392 (robbery), 500 (defamation), 509, and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In the FIR, Hijab alleged that the suspect had been stalking her for several days. She recounted that on Sunday evening, around 6:30pm, he tried to forcefully take her away from her house.

“The matter escalated when he attempted to abduct me from my residence while I was returning his gifts. This constitutes abduction, harassment, and assault under the law. I have CCTV footage as evidence,” the FIR quoted her as saying.

Hijab later shared a video on Instagram thanking Islamabad police for their swift action. She also claimed that the suspect had pressured her to withdraw the complaint.

This incident comes months after the police arrested the prime suspect in the murder of 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf, who was shot dead in her home in June.