Momina Iqbal says she trusted law after NCCIA clears MPA

LAHORE: Actress Momina Iqbal has expressed disappointment after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) found no grounds to arrest Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saqib Chadhar and his wife in a harassment case.

The development came during a hearing of the case in a Lahore court, where the investigating officer informed the court about the findings of a newly constituted Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

According to the officer, the fresh investigation did not find sufficient grounds to proceed with the arrest of the MPA or his wife at this stage. The findings effectively provided relief to the two accused in the case, which had attracted considerable public attention because of the involvement of a sitting lawmaker and a prominent actress.

Momina had earlier approached the authorities with allegations of harassment and misconduct against Saqib Chadhar. The matter was subsequently investigated under cybercrime laws after being transferred from the local police to the NCCIA.

However, the actress’s legal team has challenged the latest findings before the court.

During the hearing, Momina’s lawyer questioned the manner in which the fresh investigation was conducted. The counsel argued that the complainant was not properly informed about developments in the investigation and maintained that relevant evidence and statements may not have been adequately considered by the JIT.

Following the hearing, Momina shared her reaction on social media. In an Instagram story, she wrote, “Maine qanoon pe bharosa kiya tha ke insaaf mil jaye ga”, expressing that she had placed her faith in the legal system in the hope of receiving justice.

She also shared the Quranic phrase, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

Meanwhile, Saqib Chadhar appeared to respond to the development through his own social media account. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.”

The competing statements came as the legal dispute continued in court, with Momina’s counsel maintaining that the NCCIA’s conclusion should not be treated as the end of the proceedings.

The actress said she had trusted people who repeatedly claimed that they knew the accounts of both sides of the dispute. However, she made it clear that she would not back down from her position.

Momina Iqbal stated firmly that no matter who was brought forward against her or who was persuaded to intervene in the matter, she would not abandon the case.

She added that if she did not receive justice through legal channels, she would make the evidence she has regarding the alleged harassment public on social media, allowing the public to judge the facts for themselves.

The actress’s legal team can challenge the investigation report and seek further legal remedies available under the law. The court’s subsequent proceedings will determine how the matter moves forward.