(Web Desk) - Actor and model Momina Iqbal and Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadhar appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Thursday and recorded their statements in an online harassment case.
Officials said both individuals, along with their legal teams, spent several hours at the NCCIA Lahore office, where investigators recorded their versions of events following allegations raised by the actress against the ruling party legislator.
The case was initiated after Momina Iqbal alleged that she had been subjected to sustained online harassment, cyberbullying, and threats over a long period. She also claimed that pressure was exerted on her to withdraw complaints and that attempts were made to discourage her from pursuing legal action.
The matter gained urgency after the actress made a public appeal on social media that drew widespread attention, including from senior Punjab leadership such as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Following this, security was also provided to Ms Iqbal by police.
In her statement, Momina Iqbal maintained that she had been facing continuous threats and alleged interference from individuals linked to official circles who attempted to silence her complaint. Her sister, lawyer Rimsha Iqbal, said that evidence supporting the allegations had been submitted to investigators and expressed confidence that justice would be served.
Meanwhile, counsel for MPA Saqib Chadhar rejected the allegations, stating that both parties had known each other for several years and had even considered marriage at one point. He claimed Chadhar had provided significant social and financial support to Ms Iqbal during their association and said these details would be shared with investigators.
The defence maintained that the allegations did not align with the nature of their long-standing relationship.
Saqib Chadhar, an elected representative from PP-97 (Chiniot), secured a seat in the 2024 provincial elections before joining the PML-N. The NCCIA continues its investigation into the matter.