The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) issued fresh notices on Thursday to actor Momina Iqbal and PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar following the emergence of new digital evidence in a harassment and threats case. Iqbal had accused Chadhar of online harassment and cyberbullying, initially bringing the allegations to public attention through social media.
Subsequently, the NCCIA registered a case against Chadhar under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and the Pakistan Penal Code. In a recent statement, an NCCIA spokesperson announced the formation of a special investigation team, led by an officer at the deputy director level, to re-examine the new digital evidence along with previous records and related material.
The team has been instructed to complete its inquiry within one month and submit a comprehensive report to the NCCIA director general. Further legal steps will be determined based on the findings of this investigation.
In a significant development, the NCCIA investigation officer informed a sessions court in Lahore that the investigation had been revised and a joint investigation team (JIT) established. He also stated that the arrests of Chadhar and his wife, Sameera, were not currently necessary. Following this update, Chadhar withdrew his interim bail application.
After appearing in court, Chadhar addressed the media, attributing the decision to the evidence he provided to the NCCIA. He expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank Allah, who has vindicated me today. It has been proved today that this case is false and baseless.”
Meanwhile, Momina Iqbal, speaking to reporters after her court appearance, emphasized her call for an impartial investigation from the beginning. She remarked, “I have been saying from day one that the case should not be viewed with bias.”
Notably, Iqbal highlighted the timing of her allegations, stating, “No girl would be foolish enough to say such things just 10 days before her marriage.” She also noted her trust in individuals in authority who claimed to understand both perspectives of the case.
Iqbal concluded by affirming her determination to continue pursuing the matter, declaring, “I will not leave this case like this, no matter whom they approach.”
