LAHORE: A local court in Lahore disposed of PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar’s and his wife’s pre-arrest bail petitions today. Both withdrew their pre-arrest bail pleas.
The court took the decision after the new investigating officer said authorities did not require the suspects’ arrest at this stage.
The development marks a shift from the previous investigation into television actor Momina Iqbal’s alleged harassment case.
At the July 28 hearing, former investigating officer and NCCIA SHO Najam Bajwa told the court that Chadhar was found guilty during the investigation.
However, new investigating officer Hassan Sajjad Naqvi informed the court that the investigation had changed.
He said the authorities currently did not require Chadhar or his wife to face arrest.
Fresh Investigation Changes Case
According to the summon order, the suspects requested a fresh investigation based on new defence evidence.
The investigating officer separately summoned Iqbal on September 1 to record her statement regarding the newly presented evidence.
Iqbal attended Thursday’s hearing, where the investigating officer informed the court about the latest developments.
Following the statement, Chadhar and his wife withdrew their bail petitions. The court subsequently disposed of both pleas as withdrawn.
Actor Alleges Threats and Harassment
Iqbal alleged in a May social media post that she faced online harassment, cyberbullying and death threats for an extended period.
She claimed the alleged conduct caused severe mental stress and trauma for her and her family.
She later accused Chadhar of making threatening calls after she rejected his marriage proposal. Momina also alleged that Chadhar blackmailed her through WhatsApp messages and video calls and sent threatening messages to her sister.
The NCCIA registered a case against Chadhar on June 4 under several provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Pakistan Penal Code.
The investigation continues as officials examine the fresh evidence presented by the suspects.
