PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar granted interim bail in Momina Iqbal cyber harassment case
Lahore court granted PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar interim pre-arrest bail in actor Momina Iqbal's cyber harassment case, barring his arrest until June 24
Usama Manj
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Usama Manj is an experienced multimedia journalist with over 8 years in the industry. He began his career at Express News before moving on to Indus News as news producer and then worked for Aik News as a sports producer and anchor.
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This combination of photos shows PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar and actor Momina Iqbal.
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A Lahore sessions court granted PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar interim pre-arrest bail on Friday in a cyber harassment case filed by television actor Momina Iqbal.
Additional Sessions Judge Irfan Ahmed Sheikh issued the order after hearing arguments on Chadhar's bail plea, barring his arrest until the next hearing on June 24.
Chadhar appeared in court alongside his counsel, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq.
What does the cyber harassment FIR against Saqib Chadhar allege?
The FIR, registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on Thursday, alleges that Chadhar, his spouse and associates subjected Iqbal to a coordinated campaign of cyber stalking, blackmail, intimidation and defamation.
She claims the harassment intensified after she rejected a marriage proposal, leading to retaliatory threats, attempts to access private material and pressure through allegedly compromising content.
The complaint invokes provisions of Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act alongside relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Investigators cited preliminary forensic analysis of mobile devices as part of the evidentiary basis for registering the case.
How did the Momina Iqbal harassment case become public?
Iqbal posted a statement on social media alleging prolonged harassment and threats, which circulated widely and drew political attention from senior PML-N leadership, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She alleged that repeated earlier complaints to cybercrime authorities had gone unaddressed and that she and her family faced sustained psychological pressure. She also alleged attempts to dissuade her from pursuing the matter formally.
Following public attention, the cybercrime agency summoned both parties to record statements, after which formal proceedings were initiated. The FIR also alleges attempts to damage Iqbal's professional reputation, interfere in her personal life and disrupt her planned marriage.
What is interim pre-arrest bail in Pakistan?
Interim pre-arrest bail temporarily protects an accused from arrest while courts examine the merits of a case. It is typically granted to prevent immediate detention during an ongoing investigation.
The next hearing in the Saqib Chadhar case is scheduled for June 24.
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