In a dramatic escalation of a personal dispute, Pakistani actor and model Momina Iqbal has formally approached law enforcement in Lahore, seeking the immediate registration of a criminal case against a sitting lawmaker from the ruling party. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of harassment, blackmail, and intimidation following a rejected marriage proposal.
The Allegations Against MPA Saqib Chadhar
Iqbal filed an application at the Chung Police Station on Friday, naming Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saqib Chadhar. In her complaint, she detailed a campaign of terror that she claims began after she refused his marriage proposal upon discovering he was already married to two women.
According to the application, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Iqbal alleges that Chadhar resorted to using “scurrilous language” and initiated a systematic effort to blackmail her. The complaint specifically references a trail of digital evidence, including threatening WhatsApp messages and video calls. The harassment was not limited to the actor alone; she reported that similar menacing communications were sent to her sister’s phone, and threats were also directed at her fiancé.
Accompanied by her legal team, Iqbal met with Station House Officer (SHO) Faheem Imdad to present her case and formally request a First Information Report (FIR).
A Cry for Help on Social Media
Prior to visiting the police station, Iqbal took her struggle to the public forum of social media. In a post that tagged the PML-N leadership, she revealed the prolonged nature of her ordeal without initially naming the accused. “I have faced online harassment, cyberbullying and death threats for a long time,” she stated, describing the severe mental stress and trauma inflicted on her and her family.
Her public appeal also contained a damning critique of the investigative process. Iqbal claimed she had repeatedly reported the matter to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), but no action was taken. “Instead of ensuring justice, attempts were allegedly made to suppress my complaints,” she wrote. “Even individuals associated with the office of the chief minister tried to discourage me and silence the issue rather than allowing a fair investigation.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Vows Firm Action
The controversy quickly drew a high-level response. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the situation in a post on X, issuing a stern warning against any interference. She declared that any attempt to use political influence, pressure, or threats to secure the release of “personal content” related to the case would be met with “firm and uncompromising action.”
The chief minister emphasized that the matter was a “personal issue” and affirmed it would be “addressed strictly on merit and in accordance with the law.” This statement appeared to be a direct response to Iqbal’s earlier claims that individuals from the CM’s office had attempted to dissuade her from pursuing the case.
The police are now under pressure to decide on the registration of an FIR, a step that will formally launch a criminal investigation into the serious charges against the PML-N MPA.
