Fake degree holders not eligible for govt jobs, rules SC

Seeks PIA’s reply on employees possessing fake degrees and still working with the airlines

ISLAMABAD: The top court has ruled that people holding fake degrees are not eligible for government jobs, let alone promotion, and if the matriculation degree is bogus, all subsequent degrees are also rendered forged.
A two-member bench of the Supreme Court – headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial – heard the petition challenging the promotion of employees of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Justice Bandial asked, “What does PIA have to say about the employees who got promoted.”

A PIA representative told the court that everyone is doing their job well. “We don’t have objections.”

Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri told the court that time-barred degrees were issued by the Al-Khair University before 2009 and were declared acceptable. “The ones who obtained degrees after 2009 have been asked to re-sit examinations,” Dr Banuri said.

Justice Bandial asked, “On what basis did you declare the time-barred degrees acceptable.”

The HEC chairman replied, “In 2009, the Al-Khair University was issued a notice. And from 2009 to 2011, the university was closed.”

He said that only the degrees of Al-Khair University, AJK, Bhimber Campus, were acceptable.

Justice Bandial remarked that a list of 146 PIA employees holding fake degrees was given to the court.

Justice Bandial asked whether the PIA conducted investigation into the fake degree matter on its own or on the orders of the court.

The PIA representative stated that PIA conducted the investigation on the orders of the Supreme Court.

Deputy Attorney General Sohail Mehmood said, “Fake degree holders are still working with the PIA.” He said, “They have obtained stay orders [for the purpose].”

Justice Bandial remarked, “We are giving PIA a chance to submit suggestions recommending future course of action against the degree holders of Al-Khair and Preston universities.”

The court sought a report regarding the fake degree holders and remarked that the court should be informed about the employees with fake degrees who have obtained stay orders.

The court also sought details of the courts from where the stay orders were obtained.

Later, the case was adjourned indefinitely.