PESHAWAR (Kashif Uddin Syed): A serious scandal has emerged in the higher education sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with allegations that MSc Statistics degrees are being sold for career promotions. The Higher Education Regulatory Authority (HERA) has brought this matter to light, resulting in a formal complaint against a college in Charsadda.
According to a letter sent by HERA to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Azad Islamia Degree College in Charsadda is accused of issuing MSc Statistics degrees to individuals seeking promotions from lower positions (e.g., LCT to SST) within the department. The letter also points out that many of the degree holders lack any academic background in Statistics or related subjects, raising serious concerns about the authenticity and legality of these qualifications.
Further investigations revealed that these degrees were falsely affiliated with Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, even though colleges in Charsadda are only allowed to affiliate with Bacha Khan University unless they obtain a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.
The college had already received a notice on March 13 for multiple regulatory violations, and the situation has escalated due to its potential legal and administrative implications. HERA has labeled this case as a significant legal concern and has recommended an immediate investigation. They also advised that the verification of the involved individuals’ credentials be completed before the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting. This move aims to uphold merit and transparency in the promotion process.
The scandal has caused widespread panic within the education department, and sources suggest that further revelations may emerge as investigations continue.
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