Verdict reserved on MPA's eligibility

LAHORE - The election tribunal of the Lahore High Court on Thursday after completing arguments reserved its verdict on the eligibility of PML-Ns former MPA Muhammad Ajmal who is candidate from PP-63 Faisalabad in the bye-elections. The nomination papers of Ajmal had been accepted by returning officer for upcoming by-elections. However, PPP Punjab President Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan challenged the candidature in the Lahore High Court, alleging that he possessed bogus degrees. On Thursday, after hearing arguments of both parties, the LHC reserved its judgment whether or not he was eligible to take part in bye-elections. The petitioner PPP leader submitted Ajmal obtained a fake degree of Shahadat-e-Almia from Darul-Aloom Mehmoodia, Bannu, equivalent to MA. He said Wafaq-ul-Madaras had already acknowledged Darul-Aloom in question was not a recognised institution and certificate possessed by the respondent was bogus. Ajmal had won Feb-2008 general election from PP-63, Faisalabad, on the ticket of PML-Q by defeating Rana Aftab. Later, Ajmal resigned from his assembly membership when his degree was challenged before the Supreme Court and he anticipated verdict against him. Petitioner Aftab said after the resignation of Ajmal, by-polls were announced to fill the vacant constituency and he again filed nomination papers. And the RO concerned accepted his nomination papers knowing the fact the respondent had already resigned owing to fake degree. The petitioner pointed out he also raised this objection before the RO but no action was taken. He prayed to court to declare Mohammad Ajmal as disqualified under article 63 of the constitution and set aside the decision of returning officer, who accepted his nomination papers.

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