Suspect confesses to harassing, attempting to kidnap social media influencer

A judicial magistrate on Tuesday granted five-day police remand of a suspect arrested for allegedly harassing and attempting to kidnap social media influencer Samiya Hijab.

The police produced the held suspect, Hassan Zahid, before Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mehmood Chaudhry. During the hearing, the judge asked Zahid why he had issued threats and attempted to abduct the influencer. “Sir, I made a mistake,” Zahid admitted in open court.

The investigating officer sought an eight-day physical remand of the suspect, arguing that he had yet to recover a vehicle, pistol, and cash. The court, however, handed the suspect over to police on five-day police remand.

Islamabad police arrested Zahid after Hijab lodged a complaint at Shalimar Police Station.

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

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.