What began as news of an alleged abduction attempt on TikToker Samiya Hijab quickly spiralled into a divisive debate online, exposing how deeply rooted victim-blaming remains in public discourse.
Instead of widespread condemnation of the reported violence, many users on social media resorted to questioning Hijab's conduct, seizing on unverified rumours to rationalise the crime.
Not everyone was willing to let that slide. Rapper and comedian Ali Gul Pir sharply rebuked one user on X who suggested that gifts or money somehow justified the alleged kidnapping attempt.
"People like you are the reason our beautiful country is unsafe for women. Victim-blaming loser. You don't own humans if you buy the gifts, doesn't mean you can kidnap them when you feel like it," he retorted.
As the debate intensified online, the case itself advanced in the courts. On Wednesday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Zia approved bail to the prime suspect, Hassan Zahid, directing him to join the investigation.
In his plea, Zahid claimed innocence, alleging the case had been registered to harass and blackmail him. Yet, police officials confirmed that Zahid remains in custody under a separate five-day physical remand in another case. He faces multiple charges.
However, the controversy deepened when Hijab released a video statement identifying Zahid as not only her alleged attacker but also her former fiance. She admitted to having been engaged to him.
Her admission came after online clips circulated showing her alongside Zahid and receiving gifts from him — footage that critics used to cast doubt on her claims.
Hijab forcefully rejected these accusations. "If I had been killed like my friend Sana Yousuf, people would have shown sympathy. But since I am alive, they are levelling accusations against me," she declared.
She alleged that even after the engagement ended, Zahid continued to harass her, forcibly took her phone, attempted to drag her, and tried to abduct her. "Even if a woman is married to a man, it does not give him the right to forcibly detain, assault, or abduct her," she asserted.
Hijab described the immense psychological pressure she is under but expressed appreciation for the swift police response, noting that her complaint was registered and the accused was arrested within 24 hours.
Still, she stressed that the true test lies ahead. "Before anyone dares cast their eyes upon a sister or daughter, they should think 10,000 times," she said, urging the courts to deliver justice.
Later, actor and model Nadia Hussain shared a video message on Instagram, pointing out how the fixation on Hijab's personal choices reflects a mindset that silences victims.
She argued that whether two people are dating, engaged, or even married, abuse must be condemned in all its formsphysical, emotional, financial, or verbal. "Irrespective of what stage they are in that relationship, when abuse occurs, the conversation should be about the abuse," she insisted.
"If a woman wishes to get to know the person before marrying them, what is wrong with that?" she asked. "Please, stay focused on the real problem here," she urged. "Which is abuse, not non-problems."
For her, the greater danger lies in a society that discourages women from speaking up about harassment, assault, or rape, simply because their credibility is instantly put on trial.
For now, the case stands at a tense intersection: one of legal proceedings, public opinion, and the broader question of whether society will continue to scrutinise victims or confront abuse as the crime it is.
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