NADRA Dismisses DG over Fake Degree Scandal

In a move to uphold the integrity of its operations, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has dismissed its Director General, Zulfiqar Ahmed, following a thorough investigation into his qualifications. The decision marks the culmination of a probe initiated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) into Ahmed's academic credentials, which revealed discrepancies in two of his degree certificates.

The controversy began when NADRA requested the HEC to verify Ahmed's degrees due to concerns raised over their authenticity. The ensuing investigation uncovered several red flags, including a forged MBA degree from George Mason University, which bore the signature of an individual who was not the university's president at the time. Furthermore, the certificates for his BBA degree contained the name of a college that had changed its name between the time the degree was allegedly awarded and the certificate was issued. These findings were followed by a show-cause notice issued by NADRA to Ahmed, but he failed to provide satisfactory responses to address the allegations.

The Islamabad High Court subsequently upheld the HEC's decision to cancel the equivalence of Ahmed's degrees, clearing the way for the authority to take disciplinary action against the Director General. The Chairman of NADRA took the decision to dismiss Ahmed from his position, demonstrating the organization's commitment to maintaining standards of integrity and accountability within its ranks.

Ahmed's dismissal serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent leadership and accountability in government institutions. As the country's premier registration authority, NADRA's leadership must embody the highest level of integrity, and the action taken against Ahmed reflects the organization's dedication to maintaining public trust. The move is expected to set a precedent for similar action against anyone found to be compromising the integrity of their government positions.