The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Thursday issued fresh notices to actor Momina Iqbal and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (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, an 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. 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, 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.