By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – A Lahore sessions court on Monday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saqib Chadhar until July 28 in a cyber harassment case filed by actress and model Momina Iqbal. The court also directed the lawmaker to cooperate fully with investigators and ordered the prosecution to submit the relevant case record at the next hearing.
The case is being investigated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), following allegations of cyber harassment, blackmail and criminal intimidation made by the actress.
During Monday’s hearing, the court reviewed the progress of the investigation and observed that further inquiry was still required before any final decision on the bail application could be made.
The judge instructed Saqib Chadhar to join the investigation whenever required by the investigating agency and directed prosecutors to present the complete investigation record during the next hearing.
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The extension of interim bail means the PML-N legislator will remain protected from arrest until July 28, allowing investigators additional time to complete the inquiry.
The case has attracted considerable public attention due to the involvement of a sitting provincial lawmaker and a well-known television actress.
Momina Iqbal had earlier approached the cybercrime authorities, alleging that she had been subjected to online harassment, threats and blackmail. Acting on her complaint, the NCCIA registered a case against the MPA under relevant provisions of PECA and launched a formal investigation.
Investigators are examining digital evidence, electronic communications and other material that could help establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
Officials have not publicly disclosed details of the evidence collected so far, saying the investigation remains ongoing.
During previous proceedings, the court had postponed hearings after investigators informed the bench that the inquiry had not yet been completed.
An earlier hearing was adjourned to allow investigators more time to gather evidence and record statements from relevant individuals.
The latest order reflects the court’s intention to ensure that the investigation proceeds without unnecessary delay while protecting the legal rights of both parties.
Momina Iqbal has previously stated that she possesses evidence to support her allegations and has expressed confidence that the investigation will establish the truth.
She has maintained that she will present all available evidence before the relevant authorities if required during the legal proceedings.
Neither Saqib Chadhar nor his legal representatives have publicly commented in detail on the latest court proceedings. However, the lawmaker has obtained interim bail since the registration of the case and continues to contest the allegations through the legal process.
Legal experts note that interim bail does not determine guilt or innocence but serves as temporary protection while courts examine the circumstances of a case.
Under Pakistan’s criminal justice system, investigators are required to complete their inquiry before submitting their findings to the court, which then decides whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed further.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act provides legal mechanisms to investigate allegations involving online harassment, cyberstalking, digital blackmail and other offences committed through electronic means.
The law authorises cybercrime investigators to collect digital evidence, examine electronic devices and obtain relevant records as part of criminal investigations.
The ongoing proceedings are expected to focus on the evidence gathered by investigators and whether it supports the allegations made in the complaint.
The Lahore sessions court is scheduled to resume hearing the matter on July 28, when prosecutors are expected to present updated investigation records and inform the court about progress made by the NCCIA.
Until then, Saqib Chadhar will remain on interim bail while remaining legally bound to cooperate with investigators whenever summoned as part of the inquiry.
