How Actress Momina Iqbal Harassment Case Unfolded
News Desk
Islamabad: Harassment allegations made by Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal against a sitting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker have evolved into a high-profile cyber crime investigation, drawing political attention, legal arguments and intense public debate on social media.
The case, currently being investigated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), has unfolded in several stages, with both sides presenting sharply different versions of events.
The Allegations Go Public
The controversy first emerged when Momina Iqbal shared a series of posts and Instagram stories claiming she was facing continuous harassment and receiving threats to her life.
Her statements quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering widespread discussion and calls for a transparent investigation into the allegations involving a ruling party legislator.
The actress accused PML-N MPA Saqib Khan Chadhar and his wife of harassment, allegations that later became the subject of a formal inquiry.
NCCIA Steps In
Following the public accusations, the NCCIA confirmed that it had received an application from the actress and initiated proceedings in the matter.
Speaking to SAMAA, NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem stated that the investigation was being conducted strictly according to the law and without external pressure.
Officials issued notices to the parties involved, although authorities declined to publicly disclose certain details due to legal requirements surrounding the inquiry.
Momina Appears Before Investigators
As the investigation progressed, Momina Iqbal appeared before NCCIA officials along with her legal counsel.
According to reports, she submitted evidence, digital material and detailed information related to her allegations before the investigation team.
Sources said investigators questioned the actress extensively regarding the alleged harassment, threats and the evidence she had presented.
The Relationship Background
During media interactions, Momina Iqbal’s lawyer provided further details regarding the alleged relationship between the actress and the PML-N lawmaker.
According to the actress’s counsel, Momina and Saqib Khan Chadhar had known each other since 2022 and the MPA had expressed interest in marrying her.
The lawyer claimed that the actress later discovered the lawmaker was already married and allegedly intended to enter into a third marriage, after which she decided to end the relationship and distance herself from him.
The lawyer further alleged that tensions escalated after Momina became engaged to another person.
According to the claims presented by the actress’s side, the MPA allegedly began harassing her and threatening her fiancé. The counsel also alleged that a case was registered against the actress’s future husband.
Momina’s legal team maintained that all available evidence and records of the alleged harassment had been submitted to the NCCIA.
MPA Saqib Chadhar’s Response
PML-N MPA Saqib Khan Chadhar later appeared before the NCCIA accompanied by his legal team to record his statement.
His counsel, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, rejected the allegations and presented an alternative version of events.
The lawyer stated that both parties had been in contact since 2020 and claimed that the defence would present details covering the last five years during the inquiry.
He further alleged that Momina Iqbal had received financial support over time and had also made monetary demands exceeding Rs50 million.
According to the defence counsel, personal circumstances complicated the relationship between the two parties, and all relevant details would be presented before investigators during the proceedings.
Public Debate
The controversy also prompted a response from Uzma Bukhari, Punjab’s Information Minister, who described the matter as “sensitive.”
She urged the public and media to discuss the issue responsibly, emphasizing that both the dignity of women and due legal process must be protected.
Her statement came as social media debate intensified, with supporters of both sides expressing strong opinions online and demanding accountability.
Next Hearing
As part of the ongoing inquiry, investigation officials directed Saqib Khan Chadhar to bring his mobile phone for forensic examination and evidence review.
Sources said both parties have already submitted statements and supporting material to investigators, while the NCCIA continues reviewing digital evidence and other records.
Authorities have summoned both sides again for further questioning as the inquiry moves into its next phase.
For now, the case remains under investigation, with officials saying conclusions will only be drawn after a full review of the evidence presented by both parties.
