Court grants bail to Hassan Zahid after Samiya Hijab raises no objection

An Islamabad court on Monday granted post-arrest bail to Hassan Zahid after social media influencer Samiya Hijab withdrew her complaint in a case involving alleged harassment and attempted kidnapping.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Zia recorded Samiya's statement in court. She told the judge that the matter had been resolved and that she no longer wished to pursue the case.

“I have no objection to granting bail to the accused and his acquittal,” Samiya said in her statement. When asked directly whether she was forgiving the suspect, the influencer replied in the affirmative.

The judge approved Zahid’s bail against surety bonds of Rs20,000.

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At the outset of the hearing, the investigating officer (IO) appeared without Samiya, informing the court that she would participate via video link. Judge Zia responded, “If the complainant has a brother or father, they can appear on her behalf; if not, then she will have to appear."

The proceedings were briefly adjourned, after which Samiya appeared in person. Court staff and media representatives were asked to vacate the courtroom for recording her statement.

Zahid had been arrested on September 2, after Samiya filed a case at Shalimar Police Station. The FIR included charges under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 365 (kidnapping or abduction with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine a person), 392 (robbery), 500 (defamation), 509, and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He remains on judicial remand.