The Saqib Chadhar Cyber Harassment Case remains under intense public scrutiny after a Lahore sessions court extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Saqib Chadhar and his wife until July 28. The high-profile legal battle, involving television actress Momina Iqbal, has drawn attention to allegations of cyber harassment, online privacy violations, and the misuse of digital platforms in Pakistan.
The latest court proceedings indicate that investigators require additional time to complete the inquiry, suggesting that the case will continue before any final legal determination is made.
Saqib Chadhar Cyber Harassment Case Moves to Next Hearing
The hearing was conducted before Additional District and Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqi on Monday. Saqib Chadhar appeared before the court alongside his legal team, while his wife did not attend the proceedings.
During the hearing, the investigation officer from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) informed the court that further time was needed to complete the ongoing investigation into the allegations.
Accepting the request, the court extended the couple’s interim pre-arrest bail until July 28 and directed the investigating officer to submit a detailed progress report at the next hearing.
The extension means that both accused individuals will continue to receive interim legal protection while investigators gather additional evidence.
Serious Cybercrime Allegations Under Investigation
The legal proceedings originated from a complaint filed by actress Momina Iqbal, following which the NCCIA registered a criminal case against Saqib Chadhar and his wife earlier this month.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused allegedly engaged in a prolonged campaign involving cyber harassment, online stalking, criminal intimidation, defamation, unlawful surveillance, blackmail, and threats directed at the actress and members of her family.
The investigation has been registered under multiple provisions of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including offences relating to unauthorized access to digital information, unauthorized transmission of data, offences against personal modesty, and cyberstalking. The case also includes several provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code covering criminal intimidation, disappearance of evidence, common intention, and abetment.
These legal provisions reflect the seriousness with which Pakistani authorities are treating allegations involving digital crimes and online abuse.
Momina Iqbal’s Complaint Details Allegations
According to the FIR, Momina Iqbal alleged that the dispute began after she rejected a marriage proposal from Saqib Chadhar upon discovering that he was already married.
The complaint claims that following the rejection, the accused allegedly initiated repeated acts of intimidation, including attempts to gain unauthorized access to her private information, sending threatening and violent material, and using alleged private videos to pressure and blackmail her.
The FIR further alleges that false information was circulated to damage her social standing and professional reputation, including claims that her marriage proposal in 2023 was deliberately sabotaged through misinformation.
The complaint also states that the threats escalated in recent months, with allegations that private material would be leaked, harm would be caused to both the actress and her fiancé, and efforts would be made to disrupt her upcoming marriage.
The actress maintains that these alleged actions caused significant emotional, personal, and professional distress.
Case Highlights Growing Focus on Cybercrime Laws
The Saqib Chadhar Cyber Harassment Case extends beyond a dispute involving public personalities. It highlights the increasing importance of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws in addressing allegations of online harassment, digital intimidation, privacy violations, and cyberstalking.
With social media becoming deeply integrated into everyday life, legal experts believe that cases involving digital abuse are likely to receive greater judicial attention. The outcome of this investigation may also influence how authorities apply the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in cases involving public figures and elected officials.
Investigation Continues Ahead of Next Hearing
For now, the court has granted investigators additional time, while all allegations remain under investigation. No final determination regarding the accusations has been made, and the legal proceedings are expected to continue at the next hearing scheduled for July 28.