ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Member National Assembly (MNA) from Swat, Murad Saeed, denounced allegations of fraudulent academic credentials in a press conference at PTI’s central office in Islamabad on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, reports challenging the authenticity of his degree from the University of Peshawar had emerged, and it was also claimed that Murad Saeed appeared in two exams on March 2, 2015, following special arrangements made by the university's department of Environmental Sciences.

But the young MNA, while falsifying all allegations, said he was being penalised for his affiliation with the PTI. He claimed that the university’s vice chancellor was affiliated with the Awami National Party (ANP) and was conspiring to malign his credibility.

“I have never failed an exam during 16 years of my education,” he said. Murad Saeed further said he had been issued passing transcripts by the university, which he had brought along with him to the press conference. But despite repeated requests and reminders, the university was not issuing him an official degree.

He went on to say that he had been an active and honorable student, and had represented his academic institutions, in particular the University of Peshawar, in several debating competitions.

“I will go to court over the matter and until I am declared innocent, I will not represent PTI on any platform,” he said.