LAHORE — The Lahore High Court has set aside an order directing the registration of a criminal case against Rimsha Iqbal, a lawyer and sister of actress Momina Iqbal, granting her significant relief in a legal dispute that has drawn widespread public attention.
Justice Abher Gul delivered the reserved verdict on Rimsha’s appeal, accepting her petition challenging the earlier order issued by a sessions court. The ruling marks a pivotal development in months of litigation involving Rimsha and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Saqib Chadhar.
Background of the Dispute
The case centres on allegations surrounding Rs8 million reportedly deposited into Rimsha’s bank account at various intervals. During earlier proceedings, counsel representing Chadhar told the high court that the funds were deposited because Rimsha intended to travel abroad and needed to demonstrate sufficient funds in her bank statement.
The court questioned the nature of the transactions, asking whether the money had been provided as a loan or in connection with a personal relationship. Chadhar’s counsel stated that the amount had been given as a deposit or entrusted money rather than as a loan, and confirmed that no written agreement had been made concerning the funds.
Rimsha maintained that the money in question had already been withdrawn from her bank account in 2022. These competing positions formed the core of the legal dispute before the court.
Wider Controversy
The case involving Rimsha is linked to a broader and highly publicised dispute surrounding her sister, Momina Iqbal, and Chadhar. The controversy emerged after Momina publicly alleged that she had faced online harassment and death threats, identifying a serving PML-N provincial lawmaker in her allegations.
Both sides subsequently appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and recorded their statements. Momina’s allegations were denied, while Chadhar maintained that he had known her for several years and disputed the characterisation of their relationship.
Related Legal Proceedings
The wider dispute has generated several legal proceedings:
- In July, the Lahore High Court temporarily suspended a Justice of the Peace order directing the registration of a case concerning an alleged Rs8 million breach-of-trust dispute involving Chadhar and Momina. The court observed that legal questions raised in the petition required consideration and issued notices to the parties.
- In September, the high court summoned counsels for the parties to present arguments on a petition challenging proceedings against Rimsha. Replies from Chadhar and Bhowana police in Chiniot district were submitted and made part of the judicial record.
- Separately, Chadhar and his wife, Samira, faced proceedings in connection with allegations of harassment and threats involving Momina. Their interim bail proceedings continued during the investigation, while the NCCIA remained involved in the inquiry.
The latest ruling provides relief to Rimsha as the legal battles stemming from the high-profile dispute continue to unfold.
