Tribunal disqualifies JUI-F MNA over fake degree, orders re-election in NA-261

Runner-up candidate Muhammad Essa Roshan of PkMAP had challenged Maulvi Agha Muhammad's degree

QUETTA: An election tribunal in Balochistan on Tuesday disqualified Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Maulvi Agha Muhammad for possessing a fake degree and ordered re-election in NA-261, Pishin-Ziarat, with immediate effect.

The JUI-F MNA submitted a certificate equivalent to a B.A degree from a religious seminary in Khairpur Sindh to contest the General Elections 2008, which he won.

The losing candidate, Muhammad Essa Roshan of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) took the case to court. There was an investigation and the case eventually went to Supreme Court before the General elections in 2013, when Agha was re-elected. JUI-F won three seats in the National Assembly during the elections.

Hardly dismayed, Roshan had filed another application challenging Muhammad’s degree in the Election Tribunal which was proven fake during proceedings.  He was disqualified from the NA under the article 61 and 62 of the constitution which says he should be Sadiq and Ameen.

“We have sent the findings of the tribunal to the Pakistan Election Commissioner; there will be a re-election on this seat,” Balochistan Election Commissioner Sultan Bayyzed told The Express Tribune.

“However, Maulvi Agha Muhammed can approach the Supreme Court to challenge the tribunal’s decision,” he added.

Talking to The Express Tribune, PkMAP candidate Essa Roshan said that Maulvi Agha Mohammed recorded fake statements before the Tribunal. “He was asked when he enrolled at the religious seminary, Maulvi Agha Mohammed replied that in Islamic year 1390 which was the same year the religious seminary certificate was issued,” he said.