The directives were issued by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry during the hearing of fake degree cases relating to parliamentarians.
The bench while fixing the April, 4 deadline for the purpose also directed to submit report to the apex court and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In its order, the Chief Justice directed the relevant courts, where the fake degree cases are pending, to hear the cases on daily basis in order to make sure speedy dispensation of these cases.
He stated that it was the duty of ECP to ensure free, fair and transparent elections under the Artile 218 of the constitution of Pakistan.
During the course of proceeding, the ECP representative submitted report regarding the action taken by the commission against fake degree holders and stated that 34 cases were sent to the relevant DPOs to take action as per law.
Jamshed Dasti, during the proceeding stated that the ECP had allowed him to contest on his seat in 2010 after which it was beyond understanding that the commission sent his case to the session judge after three years.
Dasti stated that being a poor person he was contesting in the elections against rich and landlords and also requested the bench to direct the session court to stop proceeding against him.
However, the apex court rejected his request and suggested him to appear before the session judge of Muzaffargarh.
Later, the court while directing all the relevant lower courts to expedite hearing of the fake degree cases adjourned hearing till April, 4.
<Center><b><i>Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013</b></i></center>