ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: The committee supervising the verification of legislators' academic degrees issued on Monday final notices to seven legislators to defend themselves against the charge of possessing dodgy degrees.

The seven legislators are: Senator Wali Mohammad Badini, MNA Molvi Haji Roziuddin, Punjab MPAs Ejaz Ahmad and Malik Iqbal Ahmad Langrial, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa MPAs Molvi Obaidullah and Khalifa Abdul Qayyum and Balochistan MPA Abdul Samad Akhudzada.

Abdul Samad Akuhnzada appeared in person and presented relevant documents and court's judgments. He was informed by the committee that the name of Madressah from where he had obtained his certificate was not recognised by the HEC. The committee asked him to provide credible evidence in the matter and fixed Dec 20 for hearing.

Molvi Haji Roziuddin also appeared in person. He submitted relevant documents and pleaded his case. The committee advised him to provide suitable defence and documents and fixed Dec 20 for the next and final hearing.

A lawyer appeared on behalf of Yar Mohammad Rind challenged the authority of the committee and said the proceedings were humiliating for legislators. When he was informed that the committee was functioning on the instructions of the Supreme Court, he said “you are not the Supreme Court”. He was of the view that the committee should have been headed by the Chief Election Commissioner. He sought adjournment on the grounds that a case of Mr Rind was pending in the Lahore High Court. The committee asked him to submit a written reply and relevant documents and fixed Dec 6 as the next date of hearing.

The counsel for Ijaz Ahmed presented some judgments of courts. He requested for adjournment on the grounds that senior counsel of the legislator is unable to appear before the committee because of dengue fever. The committee decided to ask the relevant Madressah for clarifying the position and fixed Dec 13 as the final date of hearing.

A representative of Mir Ahmedan Khan appeared before the committee and requested for adjournment due to non-availability of the MNA. The committee adjourned the case and fixed Dec 20 as next date of hearing.

For Molvi Obaidullah, his brother Mahboobullah appeared and requested for adjournment. The committee fixed Dec 13 as next and final date of hearing.

Khalifa Abdul Qayyum, Malak Iqbal Ahmed Langriyal and Senator Wali Mohammad remained absent and the committee decided to issue final notices to them for Dec 13, failing which the cases will be closed and sent to the Chief Election Commissioner.

The committee has so far closed the cases of eight lawmakers, and two of them, Ghulam Dastgir Rajar and Kishore Kumar, have sought an opportunity to defend themselves.