MPA Saqib Chaddar’s bail extended in Momina case

Lahore: A Lahore sessions court has extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saqib Chaddar and his wife Samira in an alleged cyber harassment and threats case filed by actor Momina Iqbal.

The court granted bail relief until July 28 and directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report at the next hearing.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui heard the bail petitions. Saqib Chaddar and his wife appeared before the court to mark their attendance.

During the hearing, the investigation officer informed the court that Samira Chaddar had joined the investigation. He requested more time, saying that a mobile phone allegedly linked to the case was required for forensic examination.

The defence counsel argued that the case was based on incorrect allegations and requested the court to confirm the interim bail of both suspects.

The court accepted the investigation team’s request and extended the bail while ordering authorities to complete the probe before the next hearing.

The case was registered on June 4 after a complaint by actor Momina Iqbal, who alleged that she had faced online harassment, intimidation and threats.

In her complaint, the actor accused the suspects of being involved in a campaign involving cyberbullying, blackmail and threats. She alleged that the harassment caused serious mental distress to her and her family.

Momina had earlier claimed on social media that she was receiving threats and facing online abuse. She alleged that an influential political figure was involved, though she initially did not name anyone publicly.

Later, she approached law enforcement authorities and submitted a formal complaint, accusing the suspects of harassment, criminal intimidation, defamatory campaigns and attempts to damage her reputation.

The complaint also included allegations of threatening messages, fake social media activity and misuse of digital content.

Momina requested legal action, protection for her family and an investigation into the matter.

The case has drawn public attention due to the involvement of a sitting lawmaker and a well-known actor.