Momina Iqbal Harassment Case: Investigation Finds MPA Saqib Chadhar at Fault
LAHORE: A significant development has emerged in the alleged harassment case involving Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal, as investigators informed a Lahore court that Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Saqib Chadhar had been found at fault during the ongoing investigation.
The case was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Nusrat Siddiqui, where counsel for Momina Iqbal, Adnan Ahsan Advocate, and defense counsel for Saqib Chadhar, Rana Maroof Advocate, appeared before the court.
Wife’s Mobile Phone Sent for Forensic Examination
Investigating Officer Najam Bajwa told the court that Saqib Chadhar’s wife, Samira, had voluntarily submitted her mobile phone to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency two days earlier.
According to the investigator, Samira’s questioning has been completed, while her mobile device has been sent for forensic analysis to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Court Extends Interim Bail
Momina Iqbal’s lawyer requested the court to reject the interim bail of the accused, arguing that their release could pose a security risk to the actress.
After hearing preliminary arguments, the court directed both parties to present final arguments at the next hearing and extended the interim bail of the accused until September 3.
Religious Scholar Issues Public Apology
In a related development, religious scholar Allama Nasir Madani publicly apologized to Momina Iqbal and her family over his controversial remarks regarding the actress.
The apology came after Momina Iqbal served him with a legal notice under the Defamation Ordinance, alleging that his video statement contained offensive language that harmed her reputation.
In his latest statement, Nasir Madani expressed regret, saying that if his comments had caused distress to Momina Iqbal or her family, he sincerely apologized. He also emphasized that the dignity and respect of every woman in Pakistan should be protected and should never become the subject of public controversy.
The legal notice had demanded the removal of all videos related to the actress, an unconditional public apology, and PKR 1.9 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm.