Punjab CM Maryam warns against harassment, misuse of influence in actor–MPA case
Actor Momina Iqbal (L) and CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday warned against any attempts to exert political pressure or misuse influence through threats of releasing personal content publicly in connection with a case involving actor Momina Iqbal and a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA, stressing that no leniency would be shown to anyone found involved in harassing, threatening or exploiting a woman
The controversy first surfaced publicly after Momina shared allegations of cyber harassment and death threats through Instagram posts earlier this week, claiming that despite approaching authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), no meaningful action had initially been taken. Following the social media outcry, NCCIA summoned both Momina Iqbal and PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar for questioning in Lahore. Officials confirmed that statements from both parties had been recorded as part of an ongoing inquiry.
According to officials familiar with the inquiry, the lawmaker denied the allegations during questioning and maintained that the matter stemmed from a personal relationship dispute rather than harassment. The case triggered intense debate on social media, with supporters of the actor demanding legal action and protection for women facing online abuse, while others called for a transparent investigation into claims made by both sides.
The chief minister's warning came after the actor appealed to her for justice, alleging online harassment and receiving death threats.
In a statement posted on X, CM Maryam said the matter involving a PML-N Member of the Provincial Assembly and a prominent media personality was “a personal issue” and would be addressed strictly on merit and in accordance with the law.
The recent matter involving a PML-N Member of the Provincial Assembly and a prominent media personality is a personal issue and will be addressed strictly on merit and in accordance with the law, however, I want to make it absolutely clear that I will not spare anyone found…
“No individual, regardless of status, position, or political connections, is above the law,” she said, adding that state institutions would perform their duties independently, impartially and in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The chief minister further warned against any attempt to exert pressure or misuse influence through threats of releasing personal content, saying any such action would be met with firm and uncompromising action.
“Any attempt to exert political pressure, abuse influence, or exploit a woman through threats of releasing personal content publicly will be met with firm and uncompromising action,” she said.
She added that the message should be considered a clear and serious warning to anyone involved, without naming any individual.
Actor Momina alleges cyber harassment, threats
Meanwhile, Momina filed a formal complaint with the Lahore police, accusing a PML-N lawmaker and his alleged accomplices of cyber harassment, criminal intimidation, blackmail, defamatory campaigns and interference in her marriage.
According to a copy of the complaint submitted to police on May 22, the actor alleged that MPA Saqib Chadhar had subjected her to “continuous harassment, death threats, and psychological torture” after she rejected his marriage proposal and ended ties with him in 2022.
The application, filed at the Chung Police Station, states that the suspect allegedly used threatening calls, WhatsApp messages, fake social media activity, and AI-generated images to intimidate the actor and damage her reputation ahead of her upcoming marriage.
The complaint further alleged that the suspect repeatedly threatened to kill her if she refused to marry him.
One of the alleged messages cited in the application stated: “Don’t force me … even your dead body will not be found.”
Also Read: Actor Momina Iqbal appeals to CM Maryam for justice after receiving 'death threats'
The actor also alleged that during a meeting at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore in December 2024, the suspect again threatened her, warning that she would be killed if she married someone else.
According to the complaint, the situation escalated earlier this month after the actor’s engagement was finalised. The application claimed that explicit and AI-edited photographs were sent to her WhatsApp number from unknown contacts in an attempt to blackmail her and sabotage the marriage.
The complaint stated that similar material was also sent to her sister, while threatening calls were allegedly made to members of her fiancé’s family.
Momina further alleged that her fiancé, currently residing in Karachi, also received repeated calls and threatening messages from unidentified numbers and social media accounts linked to the accused.
The application accused the lawmaker of using political influence and connections within the ruling party to pressure the actor and obstruct action on previous complaints.
She requested the police to register a criminal case against the lawmaker, his wife and other alleged facilitators, provide security to her family, and initiate immediate legal proceedings.