- Special team formed to investigate new digital evidence in case.
- Special investigation team given one month to complete inquiry.
- Chadhar withdraws bail after NCCIA says arrest unnecessary.
LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Thursday issued fresh notices to actor Momina Iqbal and PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar after new digital evidence emerged in a case involving allegations of harassment and threats.
Iqbal had accused Chadhar of harassing and threatening her online, including allegations of cyberbullying. The actress initially raised the allegations on social media, drawing significant public attention. The NCCIA subsequently registered a case against Chadhar under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and the Pakistan Penal Code.
In a statement issued today, a NCCIA spokesperson said a special investigation team had been formed to conduct a fresh inquiry in light of the new evidence.
The team will be headed by an officer of deputy director rank and will review the new digital evidence, previous records and other relevant information, he added.
The spokesperson further said the team has been directed to complete the investigation within one month and submit its report to the NCCIA director general.
Further legal action will be decided in light of the findings, the spokesperson added.
Chadhar withdraws bail plea
The development came after the NCCIA investigation officer submitted a report before a sessions court in Lahore today and told the court that the NCCIA had changed the investigation and formed a joint investigation team (JIT).
He also said that the arrest of Chadhar and his wife, Sameera, was not currently required. Following the statement, Chadhar withdrew his interim bail application.
Speaking to the media after appearing before the sessions court, Chadhar said the decision followed the evidence he had provided to the NCCIA.
“After the evidence I provided to the NCCIA, they said that my arrest was not required,” he said.
He added: “I thank Allah, who has vindicated me today. It has been proved today that this case is false and baseless.”
Momina Iqbal vows to continue pursuing case
Momina Iqbal, speaking to the media after her court appearance, said she had maintained from the outset that the case should be examined without bias.
“I have been saying from day one that the case should not be viewed with bias,” she said.
The actor also said she did not believe a woman would make such allegations shortly before getting married without reason.
“No girl would be foolish enough to say such things just 10 days before her marriage,” Iqbal said.
She further said she had trusted people who had told her that they were aware of both sides of the story.
“I trusted those who, while sitting in positions of authority, said they knew the story from both sides,” she said.
Iqbal also made it clear that she intended to continue pursuing the matter. “I will not leave this case like this, no matter whom they approach,” she said.
