In a shocking turn of events, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has dismissed its Director General DG Zulfiqar Ahmed for possessing a fake degree. NADRA Chairman Lt. General Muhammad Munir Afzal issued the dismissal order, citing significant discrepancies in Ahmed’s academic credentials.
Discrepancies and Investigation
At the time of his initial appointment, Zulfiqar Ahmed claimed to hold an MBA from George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA, and a BBA from Westwood College, Virginia, USA. However, NADRA’s preliminary investigations revealed troubling inconsistencies. Although Ahmed had secured an interim equivalence letter from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2018, it was later discovered that this letter had been obtained through fraudulent means and misrepresentation.
Fabricated Degree
The dismissal order clarified that Ahmed’s BBA degree from Westwood College was completely fabricated. The degree, dated 1987, was deemed impossible as the institution was officially known as Denver Institute of Technology until 1997, when it was acquired by the Alta Group and renamed Westwood College. At that time, Denver Institute of Technology primarily offered diplomas in technical fields, making it implausible for a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration to have been awarded under the new name a decade earlier.
Inconsistent Academic Transcripts
Further inconsistencies were found in Zulfiqar Ahmed’s academic transcripts. The calculated GPA did not align with the final grades, raising additional concerns of fabrication.
Legal Battles and Verdict
The order also referenced Ahmed’s constitutional petition in the Islamabad High Court, where he challenged NADRA’s disciplinary proceedings and the revocation of his equivalence certificate by HEC. However, the Islamabad High Court dismissed the petition, validating NADRA’s investigation.
Conclusion
After reviewing the case file, related materials, and evidence, NADRA Chairman concluded that the charges against Zulfiqar Ahmed (ERP No. 30510) were proven. The Chairman decided to impose the major penalty of “dismissal from service.” The order stated that the dismissed officer has the right to appeal before the competent forum within 30 days.