Pakistani influencer drops charges in kidnapping case

A Pakistani social media influencer on Monday formally withdrew kidnapping and harassment charges against a man who allegedly tried to abduct her after she rejected his marriage proposal, effectively ending a high-profile case that had drawn widespread attention in the country's growing digital creator community.

Samiya Hijab appeared before Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Amir Zia in Islamabad to personally confirm she was dropping the complaint against Hassan Zahid and had no objection to his release on bail.

During proceedings, the investigating officer, Muhammad Ishaq, informed the court that the complainant had pardoned the accused. The judge, however, directed that either the complainant herself or a family member must appear before the court to record the statement.

Following a short break, Samiya appeared in court and testified that the matter had been resolved amicably. Judge Amir Zia asked her whether she wished to pursue the case further, to which she replied, "Yes, our matter has been settled. I withdraw my case. I have no objection to the accused being granted bail or acquittal."

The court immediately approved Zahid's bail application against surety bonds worth PKR 20,000.

A settlement between the parties was reportedly reached over the weekend, but the court had insisted on Samiya's personal appearance to ensure she was not being coerced into dropping the charges.

"Her matter had been resolved," Judge Zia noted during the hearing. Media representatives were asked to leave the courtroom during Samiya's statement. After the hearing, she avoided responding to journalists' questions regarding the compromise and quietly left the court premises.

Samiya's case

The case had moved swiftly through Pakistan's legal system after Hijab filed charges on September 2 alleging that Zahid had stalked her for days before attempting to forcefully remove her from her home. CCTV footage of the incident showing Zahid abducting Samiya in broad daylight was published by Samiya online and shared widely.

Zahid faced multiple charges under Pakistan's penal code, including attempted kidnapping, assault and harassment — serious offenses that can carry lengthy prison sentences in the South Asian nation of 240 million people.

The resolution comes as Pakistan's social media influencer industry has grown rapidly, with content creators like Hijab amassing large followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, female influencers often face harassment and violence, highlighting broader issues of women's safety in the conservative Muslim-majority country.

Two separate cases had been registered against Zahid at Islamabad's Shalimar Police Station. With Hijab's withdrawal of the complaint, both cases are expected to be dismissed.