ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday disqualified Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Jamshed Dasti after ruling that his academic degrees were fake.
The ECP announced its reserved verdict and accepted two disqualification petitions filed against Dasti. A reference sent by the Speaker of the National Assembly seeking action against him was also approved.
According to the decision, Dasti, who was elected from Punjab, submitted forged educational certificates to contest the elections. Under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, lawmakers are required to be “sagacious, righteous and honest,” and any misrepresentation in their credentials can lead to disqualification.
Jamshed Dasti, 46, is a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. He entered politics as a strong supporter of lower‑income groups and once called himself a “people’s candidate.” However, his political career has been marred by legal troubles. In 2010, he resigned from his National Assembly seat after being accused of submitting a fake degree, though he later won a by‑election. Over the years, Dasti has remained in the news for his outspoken style and repeated run‑ins with the law, including accusations of misuse of authority and clashes with local administration.
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Legal experts say the ECP’s latest decision means Dasti immediately ceases to hold his seat in the National Assembly, and a by‑election will have to be held in his constituency. The ruling also serves as a reminder that the commission continues to enforce strict scrutiny of lawmakers’ credentials.
