Why NCCIA issues fresh notices to Momina Iqbal and Saqib Chadhar in harassment case

A special team has also been formed to conduct a fresh investigation. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said the team will be led by a deputy director-level officer. It will review the new evidence, earlier records and other relevant information connected with the case.

Fresh probe ordered by cybercrime agency

The investigation team has been given one month to complete its work and submit a report to the NCCIA Director General. Further legal action will be considered after reviewing the findings and recommendations of the team.

The agency also warned against declaring anyone guilty or innocent before the investigation is completed. It said a final decision should only be made after examining all available evidence.

Court proceedings take another turn

The fresh investigation began after new digital evidence came to light, leading the NCCIA to seek statements and additional information from both Momina Iqbal and Saqib Chadhar. The development has brought a new turn to the case, which has already involved police and court proceedings.

Meanwhile, a Lahore district court disposed of the pre-arrest interim bail petitions filed by Chadhar and his wife. Their lawyer withdrew the petitions after the new Investigating Officer, Hassan Sajjad Naqvi, told the court that their arrest was not required at the current stage.

Earlier allegations and complaints

The new investigating officer’s position differed from that of the previous IO, NCCIA Station House Officer Najam Bajwa. On July 28, the previous officer had told the sessions court that Chadhar had been found guilty during the investigation.

Momina had earlier alleged that she faced online harassment, cyberbullying and death threats. She also claimed that the situation caused serious mental stress for her and her family.

The actor had alleged that a PML-N MPA had been threatening her for a long time, although she did not name anyone in her initial social media statement. She said she had reported the matter to the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency but claimed that no effective action had been taken.

Momina appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying she believed the chief minister "will take unbiased and lawful action against anyone found involved in abuse of power or obstruction of justice." She later submitted a formal complaint to Lahore police against Chadhar and alleged accomplices.

According to the complaint, Momina accused Chadhar of “continuous harassment, death threats, and psychological torture” after she rejected his marriage proposal and ended contact with him in 2022. She also alleged that threatening calls, WhatsApp messages, fake social media accounts and AI-generated images were used against her.

One alleged message mentioned in the complaint stated: “Don’t force me … even your dead body will not be found.” The actor further alleged that she received threats during a meeting at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore in December 2024.

The complaint claimed that the situation became more serious after Momina’s engagement was finalised. It alleged that explicit and AI-edited photographs were sent to her and her sister through unknown contacts in an attempt to blackmail her and disrupt her marriage.

Momina also alleged that threatening calls and messages were sent to members of her fiancé’s family. She claimed her fiancé, who was living in Karachi, also received repeated calls and messages from unknown numbers and social media accounts allegedly connected with the accused.

The actor accused the lawmaker of using political influence to put pressure on her and obstruct action on earlier complaints. She requested police protection for her family, registration of a criminal case and immediate legal proceedings against those she accused.

Maryam Nawaz responds to allegations

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had earlier described the matter involving the PML-N lawmaker and the media personality as “a personal issue”. She said the case would be dealt with strictly on merit and according to the law.

Maryam also warned against using threats or political influence to pressure anyone through the release of personal content. She said such actions would face firm and uncompromising action.

The latest NCCIA move shows that the case has entered a fresh stage after new digital evidence emerged. The agency has now decided to review both the new material and earlier records before deciding what legal action may follow.

The court proceedings have also changed with the new investigating officer saying that Chadhar’s arrest is not currently required. However, the final position will depend on the findings of the new investigation and the evidence examined by the special team.

Also read: NCCIA clears PML-N MPA Saqib Chaddar and wife in Momina Iqbal harassment allegations

Also read: After Momina Iqbal, Arooba Mirza posts Saqib Chadhar’s ‘harassing’ chats