RAWALPINDI, July 16: Although submitting fake educational degrees is a criminal act which may result in imprisonment and fine, a female nursing student`s `punishment` was to teach students of a government high school three days a week for two years without any salary.The order was passed by the special judge (central) of the Anti-Corruption Establishment, Sohail Nasir, on Tuesday while hearing 20year-old Sonia Arshad`s case.

She had submitted a fake matriculation certificate to get enrolled in the nursing school at Holy Family Hospital in 2007. She got the admission but later, her certificate turned out to be a forgery.

A criminal case was registered against Sonia and a nursing clerk, Mohammad Ameer, for forgery. However, Ameer was later acquitted as the charges against him could not be proven in the court.It took nearly five years to convict the female nursing student, who started crying before the judge when the verdict was being announced on Tuesday. However, the court, in terms of compensation and by using its discretionary powers, decided to give her a relaxation under section 5 of the law.

She was directed to submit a surety bond worth Rs100,000 and a personal guarantee, and asked her to teach students at a nearby government school for three days a week during regular school timings for two years, for which she would not be paid.

As part of the court decision, lady principal of the Khatija High School, Raja Sultan town, Saidpur Road was selected, who would be located close to Sonia`s house.

The school principal was called by the court and directed to submit a monthly report on Sonia`s performance, including her attendance and attitude towards her students.