KARACHI: In a significant development in the cyber harassment case filed by actress Momina Iqbal, a session court in Lahore on Friday granted interim bail to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), Saqib Chadhar.
Additional Sessions Judge Irfan Ahmed Sheikh presided over the hearing and restrained the law enforcement agencies from arresting the PML-N lawmaker until June 24. Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq represented the accused MPA during the court proceedings.
The Background and Allegations
The case was formally registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore following a complaint by the actress. The first information report (FIR) includes severe charges against Chadhar, including cyber harassment, blackmailing, circulation of explicit content, illegal surveillance, and death threats.
According to official case documents, the complainant stated that Saqib Chadhar began harassing her after she rejected his marriage proposal. She alleged that the lawmaker sent threatening messages, attempted character assassination, and continuously blackmailed her through various channels.
The complaint further noted that explicit videos and private information belonging to the actress were leaked to multiple individuals without her consent, severely damaging her personal life and reputation.
Investigation and Legal Action
During the initial inquiry, the NCCIA recorded statements from the complainant and other relevant individuals. Digital evidence, including mobile phones and other electronic devices, has been sent for forensic analysis.
According to NCCIA officials:
“Preliminary technical analysis revealed substantial evidence, leading to the registration of the case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 (Amended 2025) and other relevant laws.”
The agency maintained that further investigation is underway and the case will be handled strictly on merit, evidence, and in accordance with the law.
