A criminal case has reportedly been registered against Saqib Khan Chadhar and his wife following allegations made by television actress Momina Iqbal. According to the available information, FIR No. 117/2026 was registered after an inquiry initiated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The matter first surfaced on May 18, 2026, when an application was submitted to the NCCIA, resulting in the initiation of an official inquiry. The case quickly gained public attention after Momina Iqbal shared allegations on social media, claiming that she, her family members, and her fiancé were being harassed online. The controversy became so prominent that the Chief Minister of Punjab publicly stated that justice would be ensured.
On May 21, 2026, NCCIA issued notices to the concerned parties. Saqib Khan Chadhar appeared before the authorities along with his legal counsel, while Momina Iqbal attended with her sister, Rimsha Iqbal, and their lawyer.
During the proceedings, NCCIA requested mobile phones from both parties for forensic examination. Momina Iqbal reportedly handed over her mobile phone immediately. However, it is alleged that Saqib Khan Chadar did not surrender his device on the same day and instead submitted it approximately thirteen days later. According to the allegations contained in the FIR, the device was handed over after relevant data had already been deleted. Authorities also sought the mobile phone of his wife, but it was reportedly not provided.
Allegations Contained in the FIR
The FIR alleges that sexually explicit videos were sent not only to Momina iqbalbut also to her sister. It is important to understand the legal distinction between a nude video and a sexually explicit video. A nude video generally depicts a person without clothing, whereas a sexually explicit video involves sexual activity between individuals.
According to the allegations, the videos were sent from a number allegedly linked to saqib khan chadhar. The complainant further alleges that threats were issued both by saqib khan chadhar and by his wife.
At this stage, these remain allegations that must be proven through evidence and legal proceedings before any conclusion can be reached regarding criminal liability.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The FIR reportedly includes several provisions of Pakistani law, including:
- Section 21-B and 21-C of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), relating to the transmission and dissemination of sexually explicit material.
- Sections 3 and 4 of PECA, concerning unauthorized access to personal data and privacy-related offences.
- Section 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), dealing with criminal intimidation.
- Section 201 PPC, relating to the destruction or concealment of evidence.
- Section 24-D of PECA, concerning unauthorized recording or creation of videos.
- Section 109 PPC for abetment.
- Section 34 PPC for acts committed with common intention.
If the allegations regarding the dissemination of sexually explicit content are proven, the relevant PECA provisions may carry penalties that can extend to several years of imprisonment.
The Question of Deleted Data
One of the significant allegations in the FIR concerns the deletion of data from the accused’s mobile phone before it was handed over to investigators. Under Pakistani criminal law, the destruction or concealment of evidence can itself constitute a separate offence. Forensic analysis conducted by investigators may therefore become a crucial aspect of the case.
Debate Regarding Section 496-B PPC
A legal debate has also emerged regarding the possible applicability of Section 496-B PPC (fornication). Some commentators argue that if the allegedly shared video depicts consensual intimate relations between two unmarried individuals, questions may arise regarding the applicability of this provision.
However, it is important to note that the FIR, by itself, does not establish facts. The authenticity of the video, the identity of the individuals depicted, and the circumstances surrounding its creation and circulation must all be established through admissible evidence before any legal conclusions can be drawn.
Privacy Concerns and Disclosure of Identity
Another issue raised by legal observers concerns the disclosure of the complainant’s identity. Pakistani cybercrime laws generally emphasize the protection of victims’ identities in sensitive cases. Critics argue that once the FIR became publicly available and widely circulated on social media, concerns arose regarding compliance with privacy protections intended for complainants.
Conclusion
The FIR against saqib khan chadhar and his wife has generated significant public interest and legal debate. The allegations involve cyber harassment, dissemination of sexually explicit content, criminal intimidation, privacy violations, and the alleged destruction of evidence.
It is important to remember that an FIR only contains allegations and does not amount to a finding of guilt. The ultimate determination of criminal liability will depend on the evidence presented before the court, witness testimony, forensic examinations, and the outcome of the judicial process.
As the case proceeds, it will likely continue to raise important questions regarding cybercrime, digital privacy, online harassment, and the legal responsibilities associated with electronic communications in Pakistan.