A reported abduction attempt on TikToker Samiya Hijab has sparked widespread debate online, exposing how deeply ingrained victim-blaming remains in society.
Instead of universal outrage over the alleged attack, many social media users began questioning Hijab’s character, citing unverified rumours to justify the crime.
Not everyone stayed silent. Rapper and comedian Ali Gul Pir strongly rebuked such remarks on X, calling out those who excuse violence against women. “People like you are the reason our country is unsafe for women… You don’t own humans just because you buy them gifts,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the case progressed in court. Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Zia granted bail to the main suspect, Hassan Zahid, while directing him to cooperate with the investigation. However, police confirmed Zahid remains in custody under a separate remand and faces multiple charges.
The controversy deepened when Hijab released a video statement, identifying Zahid as both her former fiancé and her alleged attacker. She admitted their past engagement but alleged continued harassment, phone theft, physical aggression, and an attempted kidnapping.
Rejecting critics’ claims, Hijab declared: “If I had been killed like my friend Sana Yousuf, people would sympathise. But since I survived, they are accusing me.” She emphasised that no relationship—engagement or marriage—justifies abuse or abduction.
While praising the police for registering her complaint and arresting Zahid within 24 hours, Hijab stressed that true justice lies ahead. She urged society to reflect before blaming victims and called on the courts to set a precedent against abuse.
Actor and model Nadia Hussain also spoke out, criticising the obsession with Hijab’s personal life. She highlighted that abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, or verbal—must always be condemned, regardless of relationship status.
“Instead of questioning victims, we need to focus on the real issue—abuse,” Hussain asserted, warning that silencing women only emboldens abusers.
The case now sits at a critical juncture, testing whether society will continue to scrutinise survivors or finally confront abuse as the crime it is.