KNOWLEDGE has always played eminent role in upliftment of any society, especially in case of Pakistan, where it has achieved the top notch technology based on its sheer knowledge base and Islamic values. Be it any field, Space, Material science, Missiles, Data management, etc, Pakistan has proved its mettle based on core technology it posses. Roots of this achievement lie in education sector which has always allowed cream students to work for prestigious institute of Pakistan. However recent findings regarding forged passing certificates has loomed question on future of these institutions. Recently, the Director General (DG) of Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was dismissed after an investigation revealed that he had been holding a fake degree.
This move highlights a growing issue in public administration, where an increasing number of bureaucrats and lawmakers have been exposed for possessing forged academic credentials. This is not an isolated incident. It underscores a deeper systemic problem that may erode public trust and hamper the effectiveness of government institutions. NADRA is one of Pakistan’s most crucial government agencies, responsible for the registration of citizens, issuance of national identity cards and maintaining the National Database. Given its pivotal role in national security, its leadership demands integrity and transparency. So, the dismissal of the Director General for possessing fake academic qualifications is a matter of serious concern. The incident sheds light on the larger issue of dishonest practices in bureaucratic systems, where people in positions of power manipulate their credentials to secure high-ranking positions.
The investigation and dismissal, is commendable and shows stringent nature of current government against any corrupt practise. However it raises fundamental questions about the processes in place to vet the academic qualifications of high-ranking officials in Pakistan. The issue of fake degrees among bureaucrats and lawmakers is not new. Over the years, numerous instances have surfaced where politicians and government officials have been caught using forged academic qualifications to gain jobs, promotions or electoral positions. In 2010, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan announced that it had invalidated the degrees of several lawmakers, following a detailed examination of their educational qualifications. This incident shook the political landscape, as it revealed the extent of dishonesty at the highest levels. Some of these officials had been holding important positions in government ministries and had been elected to parliament with the help of their fraudulent degrees.
The culture of using fake qualifications to secure prestigious government positions is deeply ingrained within Pakistan’s administrative system. There have been cases where officials have managed to ascend through the ranks of the bureaucracy, often with falsified credentials, securing influential positions in critical sectors like education, health and security. The rampant issue of fake degrees in Pakistan has severe consequences for the public trust in government institutions. In a country where trust in the institution is fragile, incidents of dishonesty at the highest levels only deepen the sense of disillusionment among the people. Citizens may get sceptical of the government’s ability to address the pressing issues of corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency when those in power are involved in such unethical practices.
Public trust in the government is a critical element for effective governance. Citizens must have confidence that their leaders and civil servants are qualified, competent and trustworthy. This perception undermines the credibility of government institutions, making it more difficult for the state to function effectively. When high-ranking officials are exposed for lying about their qualifications, it sends a message that corruption and dishonesty are tolerated, if not actively encouraged, within the system. Furthermore, the discovery of fake degrees in key positions of power raises doubts about the competency of those officials. If those in charge of critical functions such as national security, public service, and policymaking are found to be unqualified, the consequences for society at large are dire.
The failure to address these issues erodes the very foundations of governance and public administration. The problem of fake degrees in Pakistan’s bureaucracy and politics is symptomatic of deeper issues within the country’s governance structure. Factors that contribute to the prevalence of this issue include systemic corruption, weak regulatory frameworks and the lack of effective checks and balances. While some institutions like NADRA and the HEC have mechanisms in place to verify academic qualifications, these processes seem to be inadequate. This creates an environment where unqualified individuals can secure positions of power through the right connections, rather than through hard work or competence. In such an environment, it is easy for dishonest individuals to manipulate the system by presenting fake degrees to gain access to influential roles.
To address these issues, Pakistan needs comprehensive reforms in both its political and bureaucratic systems. Strengthening the vetting process for academic qualifications is essential to ensure that only qualified individuals are entrusted with important public offices. Furthermore, there must be greater transparency and accountability within government institutions to restore public trust. This incident, along with numerous others in the past, underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to tackle corruption and dishonesty at all levels of government. Pakistan’s credibility, both at home and abroad, hinges on its ability to create a transparent, accountable and efficient governance structure—one where qualifications matter and integrity is non-negotiable. The dismissal of NADRA’s Director General for holding a fake degree shows government stance against corruption, however, more stringent steps are required.
—The writer is Educator at SELD, Sindh.
