The controversy surrounding Punjab MPA Saqib Chadhar has taken another turn after actress Aruba Mirza publicly shared what she claims was an unsolicited direct message from the lawmaker, adding to a growing list of allegations that have sparked widespread debate online.

Aruba Mirza took to Instagram Stories and shared a screenshot which she claimed was a conversation from her Instagram inbox with Saqib Chadhar. She also posted a screenshot tagging fellow actresses Momina Iqbal and Syeda Tooba, implying other women had similar experiences.

Along side she wrote: “Momina Iqbal, Syeda Tooba and also me... this is the reality of our ruling class”

Her post comes just days after actress Momina Iqbal accused the Punjab lawmaker of harassment and intimidation. According to reports, an inquiry officer found Chadhar guilty during an internal inquiry, while the case continues through the legal process. The authorities have also confirmed that Chadhar’s wife had handed over her mobile phone to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile Momina Iqbal’s legal team has asked the court to revoke Chadhar’s interim bail, saying his release is a threat to the actress. The court has extended the interim bail of Saqib Chadhar and his wife till September 3 and the final arguments will be heard at the next hearing.

The public interest has been created in the case due to Aruba Mirza’s latest allegation in the case as the legal proceedings continue. The allegations are still being processed by the courts, and the controversy has also renewed the debate on social media about accountability, harassment allegations and the treatment of women in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)