Samiya Hijab Withdraws Case Against Hassan Zahid Following Settlement
- Hijab tells court she no longer wishes to pursue case.
- Says she has no objection to Hassan Zahid’s acquittal
- Court grants bail against Rs20,000 surety bonds in each case.
Samiya Hijab, a popular Islamabad-based social media influencer, told a district and sessions court on Monday that she no longer wished to pursue her case against Hassan Zahid, after the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement.
At the outset of the hearing, Hijab informed the judge that she and Zahid had resolved their dispute privately. She further stated that she had no objection if the court were to grant him bail or even acquit him altogether. Following her statement, the court approved Zahid’s bail, setting surety bonds of Rs20,000 for each case registered against him.
The development marks a significant turn in a case that had attracted considerable attention online. Earlier this month, Hijab had levelled serious allegations against Zahid, with whom she had previously been in a relationship. She accused him of harassing her for several months, issuing threats, and pressuring her to marry him.
In a widely shared Instagram video, where she commands a following of nearly 850,000, Hijab recounted a disturbing incident in which Zahid allegedly appeared outside her residence uninvited. According to her statement, he snatched her mobile phone, sat in his car, and attempted to force her inside as well. She added that the incident occurred at a particularly vulnerable time, as her mother was unwell and her brother was not at home.
The allegations quickly sparked debate across social media platforms, with many of her followers expressing concern for her safety and demanding action. Zahid, meanwhile, faced mounting scrutiny as the case gained traction.
Speculation about a possible reconciliation began circulating earlier when Hijab failed to attend the September 13 hearing. Monday’s proceedings, and her formal declaration before the court, confirmed that an agreement had indeed been reached between the two parties.
While the exact terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the case highlights the increasing intersection of social media influence, public scrutiny, and the legal system in Pakistan.
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