Supreme Court (SC) Justice Jawwad S Khawaja on Wednesday said deception by candidates, not educational degrees, was the main issue in upcoming elections, as the degree condition no more existed per the law.
The judge passed the remarks while presiding over a bench hearing fake degree case.
Legal adviser to HEC, Abdul Rehman, appeared in the court, telling the court that Maiza Khan had passed Matriculation and FA without appearing in English language paper.
However, Wasim Sajjad said she had passed both exams and her BA degree had also been verified.
Justice Jawwad remarked, “Degrees are no more an issue in these elections. Deceit is only the issue.”
Sajjad said original degree of his client had to arrive from London. “We want time allowed to us. The objection raised against us is that we have not attached original documents.”
Justice Jawwad remarked, “You have filed nomination papers. Tell us if the returning officer (RO) passed any order on this account.”
Sajjad said only copies of certificates and degree had been filed and “we could not file original documents. We would have filed original certificate had more time been allowed to us.”
Justice Jawwad said an order “will be issued by chief justice bench, as April 5 order was issued by that bench.”
The court then referred the application by Maiza Khan seeking extension in time in connection with verification of degree to the CJP.
The court also disposed of the petition filed by Maulana Ilyas against HEC.
The HEC told the court that SC had issued orders for verification of degrees until April 5.