Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a stern warning in connection with an ongoing harassment investigation involving a provincial lawmaker and a media personality, asserting that no individual is above the law and that any attempt to intimidate or exploit women will be dealt with “firm and uncompromising action.”
In a statement posted on X, she said:
“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 involved in attempting to harass, threaten, or exploit a woman. No individual, regardless of status, position, or political connections, is above the law. State institutions will perform their duties independently, impartially, and in accordance with the Constitution and the law. 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. Consider this a clear and serious warning to anyone involved.”
Her remarks come as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency continues its inquiry into allegations filed by actor and model Momina Iqbal against Punjab Assembly member Saqib Khan Chadhar.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention on social media, involves allegations of online harassment, cyberbullying and threats. Momina Iqbal has claimed she was subjected to prolonged intimidation and pressure, including alleged attempts to interfere with her personal life and marriage arrangements.
Her legal team has maintained that evidence has been submitted to investigators and has expressed confidence that the inquiry will establish the facts. They have also stated that her wedding, scheduled for 1 June, will proceed as planned despite the controversy.
On the other hand, counsel for the PML-N MPA Saqib Khan Chadhar has rejected the allegations, stating that both parties shared a long personal association beginning in 2020–21 and were at one stage close to marriage. The defence has argued that the relationship later deteriorated and that the allegations do not reflect the full context of their past interactions.
Investigators have already recorded statements from both sides and are now moving into a forensic phase of the inquiry. Officials have directed the lawmaker to present his mobile phone for examination, while both parties have been summoned again for further questioning as the investigation continues.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is currently reviewing digital and documentary evidence submitted by both parties as it seeks to determine the validity of competing claims in a case that has rapidly evolved into a high-profile legal and political dispute.