Controversial Suspension Rattles NADRA for Credential Verification
In a shocking turn of events, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has dismissed its Director General, Zulfikar Ahmed, after it was found that his MBA diploma from George Mason University in the United States was once unverifiable. This decision comes in the wake of a big investigation into the authenticity of his credentials and highlights the emerging need for proper history checks, especially for people in top authorities positions.
Unveiling the scandal of the MBA degree
The controversy began when NADRA sought the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to verify the credentials of Zulfikar Ahmed. It had once been reported that his MBA degree was missing a key signature from the President of George Mason University, throwing serious doubts over its genuineness. More inquiry revealed that the university in his BBA degree was not verifiable either and left the authorities with little choice but to challenge his educational qualifications.
A String of Investigations: NADRA’s Pursuit of Transparency
Upon discovering the discrepancies in his educational records, NADRA acted in a timely manner by submitting the count to the HEC for a separate investigation. The HEC did an extensive investigation and, in the end, determined that Ahmed’s diploma did not meet the minimum requirements for equivalency. As such, his MBA diploma was canceled for equivalency purposes by the commission.
The Legal Tussle: Islamabad High Court’s Role
As part of the continuing audit, the Islamabad High Court confirmed the HEC decision to withdraw the equivalency status of Zulfikar Ahmed’s degree. The court held that Ahmed had not presented an exceptional reply to the show-cause notice issued by NADRA. Criminal cases further supported the ruling, and NADRA’s Chairman, following the judgment, initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ahmed, relieving him of his service.
Credential Verification as an Important Duty of Care
The dismissal of Zulfikar Ahmed is an awful reminder of the fundamental role of credential verification in keeping public institutions honest. At a time when technology allows educational fraud to be widespread, it is fundamental that organizations, especially government agencies, hire thorough assessments that confirm the authenticity of skills possessed by their employees.
A step toward accountability and integrity
Selection to reject Zulfikar Ahmed, who was the head of this institute, is the most efficient message by NADRA that reflects how committed they are towards excellence in delivering integrity and accountability. And it is a good time reminder for everyone holding office in the public service: that those with positions similar to any other expert within that workforce have got to abide by the very same principles.
Visit Pakistan Updates for more highlights
