A Lahore sessions court has extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadhar and his wife Samira Chadhar in a cyber harassment case filed by actress Momina Iqbal.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui heard the bail applications on Monday and extended the interim relief for both accused until July 28. The court also directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report before the next hearing.
During the proceedings, the investigation officer informed the court that Samira Chadhar had joined the investigation process. However, additional time was requested to complete the inquiry, as the forensic examination of a mobile phone and SIM card allegedly linked to the case was still pending.
The defence counsel argued that the case was registered on grounds that did not reflect the actual facts and requested the court to continue the interim bail granted to the accused.
After considering the investigation officer’s request, the court allowed the extension and instructed the NCCIA to present a comprehensive investigation report at the next hearing. The decision means both accused will remain protected from arrest until the court reviews further developments.
This marks the second extension of Saqib Chadhar’s interim pre-arrest bail. The court had initially granted him relief on June 5, which was later extended until July 13 before the latest order.
The case was registered following allegations made by actress Momina Iqbal, who claimed that she had faced prolonged online harassment, threats, and intimidation. She stated that the alleged actions caused significant distress to her and her family.
According to the complaint, Momina accused Saqib Chadhar, his wife, and other individuals of involvement in cyber harassment, blackmail, criminal intimidation, character assassination, and attempts to interfere with her personal life.
The actress alleged that the harassment began after a marriage proposal was rejected in 2022. She claimed that she received threatening calls, WhatsApp messages, fake social media content, and AI-generated images allegedly intended to damage her reputation.
She further alleged that edited photographs and threatening messages were shared with her fiancé and his family after her engagement. Momina also claimed that earlier complaints were not properly pursued due to the alleged political influence of the accused.
The allegations are currently under investigation, and the court has not issued any final judgment regarding the claims. Further proceedings will continue after the NCCIA submits its investigation report at the next hearing.
