Journalist Irshad Bhatti is facing intense public backlash after inviting PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar to his podcast while the harassment case involving actor Momina Iqbal and Chadhar remains under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Before starting the discussion, Bhatti extended an invitation to Iqbal, saying, “Momina you are most welcome if you want to do a podcast with me after this podcast.”

Chadhar clarified at the outset that Bhatti and he were meeting for the first time to address potential claims that the interview was staged. During the podcast, Bhatti questioned Chadhar on when his feelings for Iqbal began, details regarding a marriage proposal and engagement, and whether Chadhar felt guilt given his marital status. Chadhar responded, “At that time I didn’t realize anything.”

When questioned about disclosing his marital status, which Iqbal previously stated was kept secret from her, Chadhar claimed Iqbal had met his entire family, asking Bhatti, “Do you think it makes sense that even after that she didn’t know I was married?”

Chadhar also presented call records, flight details and other materials relating to flights he said he had booked.

The podcast drew heavy backlash with social media users criticising Bhatti for hosting the segment, raising concerns over media ethics, coverage choices, and background production elements like dramatic music during an active legal matter.

Commentators questioned the journalistic value of the discussion.

One user asked, “Is this an interview or an investigation?” Other viewers raised points regarding investigative procedures, writing, “Irshad Bhatti you claim to be such a big investigative journalist you should have asked him why does he have the documents which NCCIA should have.”

Another commentator remarked, “Irshad bhatti is more of an interrogator than a podcaster.”

The decision to interview Chadhar also drew criticism over the relevance of the discussion, with one person asking, “Is this any public interest issue???”

Another user questioned the ethics of the programme and said, “My Question to this pathetic person & a dummy journalist do you guys have any ethics?”

The person added, “Can’t you see how your country is facing the worst inflation cruelty & every worst thing you name it. Don’t we have other important things to discuss or mourn rather than discussing someone’s past & personal life?”

Further reactions included criticism of the media focusing on private matters during economic hardship, with one viewer writing, “Our journalist are busy on the bullsh*t, while the public is suffering with inflation.”

One person directly addressed Bhatti, writing, “Bhatti Sahib, I would like to strongly condemn you for doing this interview, You have revived this suit.. I did not expect this from you.”

Commenting on the production choices, one viewer stated, “A case is going on against them, and Bhatti added background music as if it were a movie.”

The dispute between Iqbal and Chadhar dates back to May 2026, when Iqbal publicly alleged that she faced online harassment, cyberbullying and death threats from a PML-N MPA. She did not name the MPA at first and later identified him as Chadhar.

Following pressure from PML-N leadership and the Punjab chief minister’s office, the NCCIA summoned both parties on May 21. Iqbal later filed a formal complaint accusing Chadhar of stalking, blackmail and criminal intimidation. She alleged that Chadhar turned abusive after she rejected his marriage proposal upon learning that he was already married to two women.

On June 4, the NCCIA registered a case against Chadhar under sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The case later took another turn when an NCCIA investigating officer told a sessions court on July 28 that Chadhar had been found guilty following an investigation.

A new investigating officer told the court on September 3 that a fresh probe found no grounds to arrest Chadhar or his wife Sumaira at that stage. The couple withdrew their bail petitions, after which the court disposed of them as withdrawn.

On September 11, the NCCIA issued fresh notices to Iqbal and Chadhar after new digital evidence emerged and formed a special investigation team headed by a deputy director to examine the material within one month.

The agency has summoned Chadhar for September 11 and Iqbal for September 14, while stating that it would be premature to declare either party guilty or innocent before the inquiry concludes.

Iqbal had also recently appeared on a podcast with Rehan Tariq, where she gave an account of her relationship with Chadhar and alleged that he introduced his wife to her as his sister for nearly a year before she learned the truth.