2013 elections: JUI-F MNA disqualified over fake degree

Election tribunal orders re-election in NA-261

QUETTA:

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

The JUI-F MNA held a degree from a religious seminary, which he had submitted to contest the May 11 general elections last year. JUI-F won three seats in the National Assembly during the elections.

Runner-up candidate Muhammad Essa Roshan of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) had challenged Muhammad’s degree, which was proven fake during the proceedings.

“We have sent the findings of the tribunal to Election Commission of Pakistan; there will be 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.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2014.