Lahore Court Extends Interim Bail for PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar and Wife in Momina Iqbal Harassment Case
BY Mahnoor | 03-07-2026

The legal case involving actress Momina Iqbal and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Saqib Chadhar continues to move through the courts, with a Lahore court extending the interim bail of the politician and his wife, Samaira, until July 13.
The case has attracted widespread public attention because it involves serious allegations of online harassment, cyberstalking, blackmail, and criminal intimidation. The investigation is being conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following a complaint submitted by the actress.
Court Extends Interim Bail
During a hearing held in Lahore, Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui granted an extension of temporary bail to both Saqib Chadhar and his wife until July 13. The court also instructed the accused to continue cooperating with investigators while the inquiry remains underway.
The judge reviewed the progress of the investigation after hearing arguments from both sides. Investigators informed the court that additional time was required to collect and examine digital evidence connected to the case.
As a result, the court decided to continue the interim protection from arrest while directing investigators to complete their work and present further developments at the next hearing.
Investigation Faces Delays
One of the key issues discussed during the hearing was the level of cooperation from the accused.
According to the investigating officer, Samaira has not yet fully complied with repeated court directions requiring her to participate in the investigation. The officer told the court that despite multiple opportunities, she has failed to join the inquiry as instructed.
Investigators also informed the judge that forensic examinations of the suspects’ mobile phones are currently underway. Officials believe the devices may contain digital evidence that could help determine whether online threats, fake accounts, or edited images were linked to the accused.
Because digital forensic analysis often takes time, investigators requested additional time to complete the process before submitting a comprehensive report.
The court accepted the request and scheduled the next hearing for July 13, when investigators are expected to provide an update on the progress of the case.
Earlier Bail Order
This is not the first time the court has granted temporary relief to the accused.
On June 5, a Lahore court initially approved interim bail for Saqib Chadhar, protecting him from arrest until June 24. As the investigation continued and authorities sought more time to gather evidence, the court later extended the relief, which has now been pushed to July 13.

The extension does not end the investigation or determine guilt. Instead, it allows the legal process to continue while investigators collect evidence and present their findings before the court.
How the Dispute Became Public
The controversy first gained public attention on May 20, when actress Momina Iqbal shared an emotional message on social media.
In her post, she revealed that she had been facing online harassment, abusive messages, and repeated death threats for a long period. She explained that the ongoing campaign had caused serious emotional stress not only for her but also for her family members.
Although she did not initially identify the individual involved, she stated that a politician associated with the PML-N had allegedly been threatening her. She further claimed that she had approached the authorities several times but received little response.
The actress appealed directly to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, requesting her intervention and expressing hope that justice would be served regardless of political influence.
Formal Complaint Filed
A few days after her public statement, Momina officially filed a complaint with Lahore police against Saqib Chadhar and several alleged associates.
Her complaint included accusations of cyber harassment, criminal intimidation, blackmail, spreading false information, and deliberately attempting to damage her personal life and upcoming marriage.
According to the police report, the alleged harassment began after the actress rejected Chadhar’s marriage proposal and ended communication with him in 2022.
She claimed that the suspect continued contacting and threatening her even after she refused his advances.
Allegations of Threats and Cyber Harassment
The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Chung Police Station contains several serious allegations.
According to the complaint, the suspect allegedly used repeated phone calls, WhatsApp messages, anonymous social media profiles, and AI-generated images in an attempt to intimidate and defame the actress.

Momina claimed that the campaign was designed to damage her reputation before her wedding and place psychological pressure on her and her family.
The complaint further alleges that she received repeated death threats after refusing the marriage proposal. One message cited in the police report allegedly warned that if she continued to reject the suspect, she would disappear without a trace.
Investigators are now examining electronic devices and digital records to determine whether these communications can be linked to the accused.
Meeting at Pearl Continental Hotel
The actress also described an incident that allegedly occurred in December 2024 at Lahore’s Pearl Continental Hotel.
According to her complaint, she met the suspect during that period, where he allegedly repeated threats regarding her future marriage.
She claimed that she was warned she would face serious consequences if she decided to marry another person.
These allegations form part of the broader investigation into whether criminal intimidation and harassment took place over an extended period.
Harassment Continued After Engagement
Momina stated that the situation became even more serious after news of her engagement.
According to her complaint, unknown individuals allegedly began sending AI-edited and inappropriate images to her WhatsApp account in an effort to blackmail her and create misunderstandings before her marriage.
She further claimed that similar material was sent to her sister, while threatening phone calls were made to members of her fiancé’s family.
The actress also alleged that her fiancé, who lives in Karachi, received repeated threatening calls and online messages from unknown numbers and social media accounts that she believes were connected to the accused.
Investigators are reviewing these allegations as part of the ongoing cybercrime inquiry.
Allegations of Political Influence
In her application, Momina accused the lawmaker of attempting to use his political position and influence to prevent action on her earlier complaints.

She claimed that despite repeatedly informing authorities about the alleged harassment, no meaningful action was taken for an extended period.
The actress requested that criminal proceedings be initiated against Saqib Chadhar, his wife, and anyone found to have assisted them. She also sought police protection for herself and her family while the investigation continues.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Responds
Following the actress’s public appeal, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz responded to the matter.
She described the dispute between the PML-N lawmaker and the actress as a personal legal issue rather than a political one.
At the same time, the chief minister assured the public that the case would be handled according to the law without discrimination.
She also emphasized that anyone found guilty of using threats, blackmail, or private material to pressure another individual would face strict legal consequences.
Investigation Continues
The case remains under active investigation, and no final conclusions have been reached by the court.
Authorities continue to analyze digital evidence, including mobile phones, electronic communications, and online accounts that may be relevant to the allegations.
The next hearing on July 13 is expected to provide further updates on the progress of the investigation, including whether the accused have fully cooperated with investigators and what evidence has been collected.
Until then, the interim bail granted to Saqib Chadhar and his wife remains in effect,while the legal process continues under the supervision of the Lahore court.

















