LHC reserves verdict on MNA’s degree case

The Lahore High Court on Monday reserved verdict on petitions and bail application filed by PTI MNA Ghulam Sarwar Khan in a fake degree case.
The single bench, comprising Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar, was hearing five different petitions challenging proceedings initiated by Islamia University, Bahawalpur, against the petitioner MNA besides bail application in a fake degree case registered by the Anti-corruption Establishment (ACE).
Earlier, Punjab Prosecutor General Sadaqat Ali submitted before the court that the petitioner received his BA degree from Islamia University on basis of a fake technical diploma (equivalent to intermediate). He contended that the BA degree was also fake as it was obtained on basis of a fake diploma. The prosecutor general raised questions on nature of diploma, its registration number and NOC obtained.
However, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that the petitioner was allowed to participate in BA exam after submitting an NOC. He said that by mistake, wrong roll number was printed in it whereas the name was correct. He further mentioned that the university had already admitted the fact.
To a court query, the university officials said that relevant record was missing and an inquiry had been initiated in this regard.
The court after hearing the final arguments of all parties reserved the verdict which would be announced on August 30. The court also extended the interim bail already granted to the petitioner in fake degree case registered by ACE until August 30.