Islamabad( The COW News Digital) The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has extended the physical remand of Hassan Zahid, the key suspect in the alleged kidnapping and threats case involving TikToker Samia Hijab, for three more days.
Duty Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Azhar Nadeem presided over the hearing, where the defense presented what it described as crucial evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims. Zahid’s lawyer submitted transaction histories between the accused and the complainant, suggesting a prior financial relationship.
The defense argued that procedural irregularities had occurred, noting that police presented Zahid after five days despite an earlier court order granting only two days of physical remand. Police responded that the earlier order contained a “typing error,” which they said was promptly corrected.
Adding a new dimension to the case, Zahid’s lawyer presented photographs showing Zahid and Samia Hijab engaged in an engagement ceremony. He also submitted a video statement purportedly from the complainant’s parents, further questioning the basis of the abduction allegations.
Prosecutors countered that Zahid remained central to the investigation. They told the court that 45,000 rupees had been recovered from the suspect but said further interrogation was necessary to recover a vehicle, weapon, and arrest alleged accomplices. The prosecution requested an additional eight-day remand.
The defense insisted the charges were fabricated and politically motivated. According to the lawyer, Zahid had already secured bail in a previous case, but authorities intentionally arrested him in a separate complaint to prolong his detention. They further claimed that Zahid was at Islamabad’s Jinnah Super Market at the time the alleged incident took place, undermining the prosecution’s timeline.
The defense also alleged that the complainant provided Zahid with fake receipts when he demanded repayment of funds, portraying the dispute as financial rather than criminal.
The case has drawn significant attention on social media, with supporters of both Zahid and Hijab trading accusations and conspiracy theories. Observers say the revelations of a prior engagement and financial transactions have further complicated the matter.
Police confirmed that the case remains registered at the Shalimar Police Station. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and said all leads, including financial dealings, personal ties, and alleged threats, will be fully probed before charges are finalized.
The court adjourned the hearing after granting a three-day extension of Zahid’s remand.
