ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Khadim Hussain from Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) on the grounds of possessing a fake degree.
In the hearing led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, a three-member bench maintained the decision, stating that pursuing the case posthumously is unnecessary unless there is a criminal aspect involved.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa commented, “It is better not to prosecute the case after the death of the petitioner; the matter of the fake degree concludes with the petitioner’s demise. We can reconsider if there are criminal aspects to address.”
Lawyer Khawaja Haris argued that the deceased’s family urges the removal of the fake degree allegation by addressing the case.
“My client received all his education under the name of Muhammad Akhtar Khadim, engaged in politics as Khadim Hussain, and his identity card bears the same name,” added the lawyer.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned the viability of proving the correct name after death, stating that if the petitioner were alive, something could have been established. The CJP requested the lawyer to provide affidavits or documents as evidence if there is a claim to change the name.
It’s worth noting that Mohammad Akhtar Khadim, also known as Khadim Hussain, was elected from NA-188 in 2008. The High Court disqualified him based on a fake BA degree, leading to the petitioner filing an appeal in the Supreme Court against the decision.
