LAHORE (Web Desk) – The interim bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadhar and his wife, Sameera, has been extended until September 3 by a Lahore sessions court in a case involving allegations of harassment and threats made against actor Momina Iqbal.
The case came up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Nusrat Siddiqui, where both the prosecution and defense presented updates regarding the ongoing investigation. The proceedings focused on the progress made by investigators and the legal status of the accused.
During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that the inquiry against Saqib Chadhar had been completed. According to the officer, the investigation found sufficient grounds to hold the lawmaker responsible under the allegations being examined.
The investigating officer also updated the court regarding the role of Sameera, stating that she had handed over her mobile phone to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) two days earlier.
Officials confirmed that the device has been forwarded for forensic examination, which investigators believe may provide additional digital evidence relevant to the case. The forensic report is expected to become an important part of the investigation before a final decision is made.
During the proceedings, legal counsel representing actor Momina Iqbal opposed the request for continued interim bail. The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the pre-arrest bail petitions, arguing that the investigation had reached a stage where further legal protection for the accused was not justified.
Defense lawyers, however, maintained that their clients had cooperated with investigators throughout the inquiry. They requested the court to allow the legal process to continue while protecting the accused from immediate arrest until all evidence had been reviewed.
After hearing preliminary submissions from both sides, the court decided not to issue an immediate ruling on the bail applications. Instead, the judge directed both parties to present their final arguments at the next hearing.
The court subsequently extended the interim bail of Saqib Chadhar and Sameera until September 3 and adjourned proceedings.
The case has attracted significant public attention because it involves a sitting provincial lawmaker and a well-known television actor. Legal observers say the matter highlights the growing role of digital evidence in criminal investigations involving allegations of online harassment and intimidation.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency continues to examine electronic records and digital devices that may help establish the sequence of events and determine whether any relevant laws were violated.
Investigators are expected to submit additional findings once the forensic analysis of the seized mobile phone is completed. The report may play a key role in determining the direction of the case during future hearings.
Legal experts note that an extension of interim bail does not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations. It simply allows the accused temporary protection from arrest while the court continues to examine the evidence and hear arguments from both sides.
The next hearing is expected to focus on final submissions by the prosecution and defense regarding the interim bail applications. Depending on those arguments and the available evidence, the court will decide whether to confirm, reject or further extend the bail petitions.
The case remains under judicial consideration, with investigators continuing to gather and verify evidence before the legal proceedings move to the next stage.
