MPA Saqib Chadhar gets interim bail in harassment case filed by actor Momina Iqbal

PML-N Member of the Provincial Assembly Saqib Chadhar secured interim pre-arrest bail from a Lahore court on Friday, a day after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a case against him. The charges stem from allegations of harassment made by television actor Momina Iqbal.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Irfan Ahmad Sheikh approved Chadhar's plea, barring the NCCIA from arresting him until June 24 and ordering the agency to submit the case record at the next hearing. Chadhar appeared in court with his counsel, Mian Ali Ashfaq.

The case was registered under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. According to the first information report (FIR), Iqbal accused Chadhar, his wife, and associates of a sustained campaign of cyber harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation, blackmail, defamation, unlawful surveillance, and threats against her and her family. She claims Chadhar retaliated with threats and attempts to access her private data after she rejected his marriage proposal upon discovering his existing marriage.

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The accused (Chadhar) allegedly defamed her socially and professionally, sabotaged her 2023 marriage proposal through false information, and recently intensified threats to leak private material, harm her and her fiance, and disrupt her upcoming marriage, causing severe emotional, reputational and professional harm.

The FIR further states that Chadhar allegedly defamed her socially and professionally, sabotaged a 2023 marriage proposal with false information, and intensified threats to leak private material and harm her and her fiancé. The alleged conduct has caused severe emotional, reputational, and professional harm to Iqbal.

The matter gained significant attention after Iqbal's social media appeal went viral, drawing the notice of senior PML-N leadership, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Iqbal had alleged online harassment, cyberbullying, and death threats, causing severe mental stress and trauma to her and her family. She reported the issue to the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency previously, but no action was taken.

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I repeatedly reported the matter to the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency, but no a