The digital landscape of social media fame has become a double-edged sword for influencers in Pakistan, where rapid online growth often comes with heightened vulnerability to cyber exploitation. The case of Samiya Hijab, a 23-year-old TikTok star with over 750,000 Instagram followers, exemplifies this modern paradox. Her journey from creating lifestyle and dance content to becoming the center of a multilayered controversy involving alleged deepfake technology, revenge porn, kidnapping attempts, and cyber harassment offers a sobering look at the dangers facing digital creators in developing nations. This article examines the full chronology of events, the competing narratives, and the broader societal implications of this case that has gripped Pakistani social media throughout 2025 .

samiya hijab viral video
Background: Who is Samiya Hijab?
Samiya Hijab emerged as a prominent Pakistani influencer known for her vibrant content featuring comedy skits, skincare routines, and vlogs often showcasing traditional Pakistani dresses. Beginning her Instagram presence in December 2022, she quickly amassed a substantial following drawn to her relatable personality and modest fashion sense. Her content frequently featured family members, offering glimpses into her personal life while maintaining a balance between authenticity and privacy. Born and raised in Pakistan, she has a brother and often shares moments from her daily life, including vacations to Qatar and attendance at cultural events like Atif Aslam concerts .
Before the controversies, Samiya represented the aspirational success story of digital entrepreneurship—a young woman leveraging social media platforms to build a career through brand partnerships, sponsored content, and platform monetization. Her estimated height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and elegant appearance complemented her charismatic on-screen presence, making her particularly popular among young women who admired her confidence and style. This foundation of popularity would make the subsequent controversies all the more dramatic and damaging to her personal and professional reputation .
The Viral Video: Initial Leak and Claims
In early 2025, Samiya Hijab found herself at the center of a firestorm controversy when an intimate video allegedly featuring her began circulating widely across social media platforms in Pakistan. The video spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds, triggering intense speculation about its origins and authenticity. Almost immediately, the incident sparked debates about digital privacy, consent, and the ethical responsibilities of social media consumers in sharing potentially private content without permission .
Samiya’s response was swift and forceful. Through a video statement posted to her social media platforms, she categorically denied any involvement with the circulating clip, asserting that the video was “fake” and “completely artificial.” She claimed the footage had been created using artificial intelligence technology specifically to damage her reputation. In her emotional address to followers, she stated: “I am not involved in this video—it is totally artificial and AI-made. This is a move to tarnish my image by attacking my character” .
The influencer pointed to a personal vendetta as the motivation behind the leak, specifically accusing an ex-boyfriend of orchestrating the campaign out of spite and revenge. She warned her followers against believing what she termed a “false narrative” and promised to pursue strict legal recourse to clear her name and bring those responsible to justice. “I am going to file a proper complaint against the FIA Cyber Crime Wing,” she declared, referring to Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency .
Deepfake Controversy and Conflicting Narratives
The situation grew increasingly complex as competing narratives emerged about the video’s origins. While Samiya maintained her deepfake claims, fellow influencer SK posted a tell-all video presenting a dramatically different version of events. SK accused Samiya of having orchestrated her own video leak for publicity and financial gain, alleging that she had engaged in a pattern of deceptive behavior including blackmail and extortion .
According to SK’s claims, Samiya had allegedly enticed a man through fake intimacy in video calls, leading him to believe they were in a serious relationship. SK asserted that this man had transferred over Rs2 million to Samiya after which these privately recorded video calls were used as leverage for extortion. The accusations took an even darker turn as SK suggested that Samiya herself had leaked the footage to gain attention, particularly following her appearance in a music video by singer Umair Awan. In a stunning rebuttal to Samiya’s deepfake claims, SK insisted the videos were real and deliberately disseminated .
Further muddying the waters, a second video later surfaced on social media allegedly showing Samiya with the same man accused of assaulting and attempting to kidnap her. This footage sparked additional debate among viewers, with many questioning whether it was authentic or another AI-generated deepfake designed to manipulate public perception. The uncertainty surrounding these videos highlighted the growing challenge of distinguishing reality from fabrication in an era of increasingly sophisticated digital manipulation tools .
Legal Actions and Cybercrime Complaints
In response to the initial video leak, Samiya Hijab took formal legal action by filing a complaint with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing. This move represented a growing trend among Pakistani influencers facing similar violations, following precedents set by other public figures like Minahil Malik who had also battled leaked content scandals. Samiya’s decision to involve law enforcement authorities reflected her determination to combat what she characterized as digital character assassination through official channels .
The legal landscape surrounding such cases remains complex in Pakistan, where laws addressing cyber harassment and non-consensual intimate imagery are still evolving. The FIA Cyber Crime Wing has increasingly been called upon to investigate similar cases involving influencers and public figures, though prosecution outcomes vary widely. Samiya’s case gained particular attention due to her substantial social media following and the subsequent escalation of threats against her personal safety .
Despite her legal actions, the situation grew increasingly dangerous for Samiya. She revealed that even after filing reports with authorities, she continued to receive threats demanding she withdraw her complaints. Her refusal to back down highlighted both the vulnerability of digital creators in Pakistan and the growing resistance against online harassment and exploitation .
Kidnapping Incident and Connection to Video Leak
The controversy took an alarmingly dangerous turn when Samiya Hijab reported being stalked, threatened, and nearly abducted by a man identified as Hassan Zahid in Lahore. According to Samiya’s account, Zahid had been stalking her for three months, pestering her with marriage proposals despite repeated rejections. The situation escalated when he allegedly showed up uninvited outside her house while her brother was away and her mother was unwell .
In a terrifying encounter captured by CCTV footage that Samiya shared online, Zahid allegedly snatched her phone and dragged her toward his car, injuring her in the process. The incident left visible marks on her face and served as a chilling reminder of the physical dangers that public figures, particularly young women, can face in Pakistan. Drawing a heartbreaking parallel, Samiya referenced her friend and fellow TikToker, 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, who had been brutally murdered in Islamabad after rejecting a marriage proposal .
In a shocking revelation that further connected the kidnapping attempt to the video leak scandal, Samiya confirmed that Hassan Zahid was not merely a stalker but her former fiancé. She revealed that their families had been involved and marriage had been planned, but the relationship ended due to what she described as his abusive tendencies and alleged theft. Netizens quickly began speculating that Zahid might also be responsible for her leaked MMS scandal, especially after old videos of the couple together resurfaced online .
Table: Timeline of Key Events in Samiya Hijab Controversy
| Date | Event | Significance |
| | | |
| Dec 2022 | Samiya begins posting on Instagram | Start of social media career |
| Apr 2025 | Initial video leak surfaces online | Beginning of controversy |
| Apr 2025 | Samiya denies authenticity, claims AI deepfake | First public response |
| Apr 2025 | Files complaint with FIA Cyber Crime Wing | Legal action initiated |
| Sep 2025 | Kidnapping attempt by Hassan Zahid | Escalation to physical danger |
| Sep 2025 | Revelation of past engagement to Zahid | Connection between incidents |
| Sep 2025 | Arrest of Zahid and custody proceedings | Legal development |
Public Response and Social Media Reactions
The public discourse surrounding Samiya Hijab’s ordeal revealed deep divisions within Pakistani society regarding digital privacy, victim blaming, and influencer culture. On social media platforms, fans and followers erupted in outrage at the threats against her, with many arguing that women are targeted precisely because offenders rarely face real consequences, which emboldens others to continue the cycle of harassment. Samiya’s ordeal became a rallying cry in the larger debate over gender-based violence and Pakistan’s perceived broken system of deterrence .
However, the situation also generated significant victim-blaming rhetoric and skepticism about Samiya’s claims. Some commentators questioned why she had initially accepted marriage proposals from Zahid if he had exhibited concerning behavior, while others debated the authenticity of the various videos circulating online. The involvement of other influencers like SK in leveling counter-accusations further polarized public opinion, creating distinct camps of supporters and detractors .
Despite the controversy, many supporters rallied behind Samiya, praising her courage in speaking out about her experiences. Her willingness to share CCTV evidence of the kidnapping attempt and publicly address her traumatic experiences was seen by many as a bold challenge to the culture of silence surrounding violence against women in Pakistan. This support manifested in calls for stricter laws to protect women from harassment and stalking, with many advocates pointing to the case as evidence of systemic failures in protecting women, both online and offline .
Broader Implications: Digital Privacy and AI Technology
The controversy surrounding Samiya Hijab highlights critical issues regarding digital privacy, consent, and the malicious use of emerging technologies in Pakistan and beyond. The case demonstrates how easily artificial intelligence tools can be weaponized against individuals, particularly women in conservative societies where reputation carries significant social and economic value. The deepfake allegations in Samiya’s case represent a growing global concern about the potential for AI technology to facilitate new forms of harassment, extortion, and character assassination .
Pakistan’s legal framework for addressing such cybercrimes remains a work in progress, with laws struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital threats. The FIA Cyber Crime Wing has been increasingly engaged with similar cases, but resources and expertise limitations often hamper comprehensive responses. Samiya’s case underscores the urgent need for more robust digital protection mechanisms, public education about deepfake technology, and legal reforms that properly address the unique nature of AI-facilitated harassment .
Furthermore, the situation highlights the particular vulnerabilities faced by digital creators in societies where traditional gender norms often conflict with the public visibility that influencer careers require. The case has sparked important conversations about the price of fame in the digital age, especially for young women navigating both online harassment and real-world threats in a culturally conservative environment. These discussions have extended beyond Samiya’s individual case to broader questions about creator safety, platform accountability, and societal responses to the changing nature of celebrity .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Samiya Hijab viral video controversy?
The controversy involves an intimate video that circulated online in April 2025 allegedly featuring Pakistani TikToker Samiya Hijab. She vehemently denied authenticity, claiming the video was an AI-generated deepfake created by an ex-boyfriend to damage her reputation. The situation escalated with competing claims about the video’s origins and was followed by a kidnapping attempt against her months later .
Who is Samiya Hijab?
Samiya Hijab is a Pakistani social media influencer with over 750,000 Instagram followers known for her lifestyle, dance, and beauty content. The 23-year-old content creator gained popularity through her videos often featuring traditional Pakistani dresses and family-oriented content .
What was Samiya Hijab’s response to the viral video?
Samiya immediately denied involvement, stating the video was “fake” and “artificial.” She claimed it was created using AI technology as part of a character assassination campaign by an ex-boyfriend. She filed a formal complaint with Pakistan’s FIA Cyber Crime Wing and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible .
How is the kidnapping incident related to the video leak?
The man accused of attempting to kidnap Samiya, Hassan Zahid, was revealed to be her former fiancé. This connection led to speculation that he might also be involved in the video leak scandal, though no definitive evidence has proven this connection publicly .
What are the deepfake allegations in this case?
Samiya claimed the viral video was fabricated using artificial intelligence technology to make it appear as if she were in the video. Deepfake technology uses AI to create convincing but fake imagery and videos, raising serious concerns about digital manipulation and consent .
What legal actions has Samiya Hijab taken?
She has filed a formal complaint with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing to investigate the origins of the video and pursue charges against those responsible. She has also cooperated with police regarding the kidnapping attempt against her .
How has the public responded to these controversies?
Public response has been sharply divided. Many supporters have rallied behind Samiya, calling for justice and better protections for women. However, others have expressed skepticism about her claims, particularly after counter-allegations surfaced from other influencers .
What are the broader implications of this case?
The case highlights serious concerns about digital privacy, cyber harassment, and the malicious use of AI technology in Pakistan. It has sparked important conversations about influencer safety, legal protections against deepfake exploitation, and the challenges faced by women in the public sphere .
Conclusion: Justice, Recovery and Moving Forward
As of September 2025, the situation remains unresolved and evolving. Hassan Zahid has been taken into custody and produced before Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mehmood Chaudhry, where he surprisingly confessed to having “made a mistake.” He has been remanded in police custody on charges of assault, harassment, robbery, defamation, and attempted kidnapping. However, Samiya has warned that he is already pursuing bail, which could put her life at risk again .
Despite the ongoing trauma, Samiya has refused to stay silent. She has thanked police for their intervention but revealed that Zahid continued to threaten her even from custody, demanding she withdraw her complaint. Her declaration that she will not be silenced and will fight for her rights no matter how dangerous the path becomes has made her an accidental activist for digital privacy and women’s safety in Pakistan .
The complex saga of Samiya Hijab represents more than just one TikToker’s horror story—it serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable women remain in the digital age, where viral fame can quickly twist into viral trauma. Her experience underscores the urgent need for better protections against digital harassment, more effective legal responses to cybercrimes, and cultural shifts that support victims rather than subjecting them to additional scrutiny and blame. As Pakistan continues to grapple with these issues, cases like Samiya’s will likely play a crucial role in shaping the national conversation around technology, privacy, and gender justice for years to come .