LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued fresh notices to actor Momina Iqbal and PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar following the emergence of new digital evidence in a case involving allegations of online harassment and threats.
The development came as the cybercrime agency ordered a fresh examination of the matter after Iqbal accused Chadhar of harassing and threatening her through digital platforms, including alleged cyberbullying.
The actress had initially brought the allegations to public attention through social media. The NCCIA later registered a case against Chadhar under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to an NCCIA spokesperson, a special investigation team has now been constituted to reassess the case in view of the newly surfaced evidence.
The team, headed by a deputy director-rank officer, will examine the latest digital material along with the earlier investigation record and other relevant information.
The agency has directed the team to complete the inquiry within one month and submit its findings to the NCCIA director general. Any further legal proceedings will be determined on the basis of the investigation report, the spokesperson said.
Chadhar drops interim bail plea
The latest development was presented before a Lahore sessions court after the NCCIA investigation officer informed the judge that the agency had revised its investigation and constituted a joint investigation team (JIT).
The officer further told the court that the arrest of Saqib Chadhar and his wife, Sameera, was not required at this stage.
Following the statement, Chadhar withdrew his interim bail application.
Talking to reporters outside the court, the PML-N lawmaker said the decision was linked to evidence he had submitted during the investigation.
“After the evidence I provided to the NCCIA, they said that my arrest was not required,” Chadhar said.
He claimed the proceedings had established that the allegations against him were false and baseless.
“I thank Allah, who has vindicated me today,” he said.
Momina vows to continue legal battle
Speaking after her court appearance, Momina Iqbal reiterated that she had consistently called for the allegations to be investigated objectively and without prejudice.
“I have been saying from day one that the case should not be viewed with bias,” she said.
The actor questioned why a woman would come forward with such allegations shortly before her marriage without having a genuine reason.
“No girl would be foolish enough to say such things just 10 days before her marriage,” Iqbal said.
She also said she had placed her trust in individuals holding positions of authority who had assured her that they were familiar with the accounts of both sides.
“I trusted those who, while sitting in positions of authority, said they knew the story from both sides,” she said.
Iqbal maintained that she would continue to pursue the case and rejected the possibility of abandoning the matter.
“I will not leave this case like this, no matter whom they approach,” she said.
