DG NADRA Zulfiqar Ahmed terminated over fake degree scandal

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has terminated Director General (DG) Zulfiqar Ahmed after his academic credentials were found to be fake.

The controversy began in 2023, when NADRA’s new chairman ordered a fresh verification of academic qualifications for all officials.

Zulfiqar Ahmed, who had previously obtained equivalency certificates for his degrees from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2018, became the focus of scrutiny. During the re-verification process, HEC reached out to the institutions mentioned on Ahmed’s degrees, and both denied any association with him.

George Mason University, USA, categorically stated: “We have no student record for Zulfiqar Ahmed,” and further clarified that the provided student number was invalid.

Verification of his BBA degree from Westwood College faced another roadblock as the institution had since closed, leaving no retrievable records.

Karachi likely to face another spell of water shortage

Additionally, Ahmed’s MBA degree was found to carry the signature of an individual who was not the university’s president at the time.

Upon NADRA’s request, the HEC launched its own investigations and confirmed the findings, which led to the revocation of Ahmed’s equivalency certificates.

The Islamabad High Court upheld HEC’s decision, further strengthening the case against him.

Ahmed also failed to provide a satisfactory response to a show-cause notice by NADRA. Citing the High Court’s verdict and the lack of credible evidence, NADRA’s Chairman initiated disciplinary action, resulting in the dismissal of Zulfiqar Ahmed’s services.