PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar Gets Interim Bail in Momina Iqbal Cyber Harassment Case

LAHORE: A Lahore court has granted interim pre-arrest bail to PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar in a high-profile cyber harassment and blackmail case filed by actress Momina Iqbal. The court barred the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from arresting the lawmaker until June 24 while the investigation continues.

The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Irfan Ahmad Sheikh, who directed the NCCIA to submit the complete investigation record at the next hearing. Saqib Chadhar appeared before the court along with his lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, and requested protective bail after the registration of the case.

The NCCIA had registered the FIR under several sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code. The case includes allegations of cyber harassment, blackmail, criminal intimidation, cyber stalking, unlawful surveillance, defamation and threats against actress Momina Iqbal and her family.

According to the FIR, Momina Iqbal alleged that Saqib Chadhar had proposed marriage to her, but she later discovered he was already married. She claimed that after rejecting the proposal, she was allegedly subjected to harassment, threatening calls, WhatsApp messages and blackmail involving private videos and personal information.

The complaint further stated that the accused, along with his wife and associates, allegedly attempted to damage her reputation socially and professionally. Momina Iqbal also claimed that false information was used to sabotage her previous engagement in 2023 and that threats were later made against her fiancé and current husband.

Investigators said preliminary forensic analysis of mobile phones and digital devices collected from both parties provided evidence that led to the registration of the case. The NCCIA is also examining alleged threatening messages, video calls and deleted applications from the accused’s mobile phone as part of the investigation.

The case gained national attention after Momina Iqbal shared details of the alleged harassment on social media, claiming she and her family had suffered severe mental stress and trauma. She also alleged that earlier complaints made to the NCCIA and FIA were not properly addressed.

The matter later drew attention from senior PML-N leadership, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who stated that any attempt to misuse political influence or threaten a woman through private content would face strict action.

Following the complaint, the NCCIA summoned both Momina Iqbal and Saqib Chadhar on May 21 to record their statements. After reviewing the initial evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the Lahore court granted interim relief to the PML-N lawmaker and restrained authorities from making an arrest until the next hearing on June 24.

The investigation into the cyber harassment and blackmail allegations is still ongoing, and the NCCIA says digital evidence is being thoroughly examined before further legal action is taken.