The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Sindh Assembly has issued a strong directive to all public universities across the province. They must complete verification of their employees all educational degree through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) within the next three months.
This step comes after the alarming discoveries of fake academic documents at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). This move highlights the need of stronger transparency and accountability in Sindh higher education department. During a detailed review of DUHS audit reports for years 2021 to 2023 PAC members revealed that 10 employees had secured positions using fake degrees.
This revelation exposed serious gaps in the university hiring and verification systems. The findings raised concerns about internal accountability and raise doubts over the credibility of DUHS human resource management practices.
Only 450 Out of 3,500 DUHS Staff Verified So Far
Audit officials revealed that out of 3,500 DUHS employee, only 450 had their academic credentials verified. More than 3,000 staff members had never undergone proper background checks or HEC verification. This negligence creates opportunities for individuals with fraudulent documents to hold key positions. Contractual employees, in particular were highlighted as a vulnerable group for such irregularities.
PAC members emphasized that such oversight jeopardizes the institution’s credibility. It also risks the welfare of students, patients, and academic programs dependent on qualified professionals. With DUHS spending approximately Rs2.33 billion annually on salaries, the committee stressed that taxpayer money should only support genuine and verified personnel.
Audit Department Had Flagged the Issue Last Year
The audit department had previously pointed out gaps in degree verification in June of last year. Despite repeated warnings DUHS did not submit a comprehensive response or implement corrective measures. The PAC expressed dissatisfaction over the university delayed action stating that timely verification could have prevented questionable appointments.
The delay underscored weaknesses in DUHS’s administrative procedures. Committee members stressed that public institutions must act promptly when audit concerns are raised. Ensuring effective monitoring and quick responses is critical to maintain academic and operational integrity.
DUHS Explains Delays in Verification Process
DUHS officials explained that the verification delays were due to the lack of bids from firms invited to carry out the process. Three tenders were issued, but no company submitted proposals. As a result, the university engaged HRSG Outsourcing Company directly to manage the verification process.
The contracted firm has already started verifying employee credentials. DUHS assured the PAC that the process would be completed within the specified three-month timeline. Officials emphasized their commitment to ensure no further delays in academic and staff verification procedures.
Action Taken Against Employees With Fake Degrees
Vice Chancellor Dr. Nazli Hussain briefed the PAC about actions against employees with forged degrees. Eight out of 10 identified individuals have been terminated while the remaining two received show cause notices. These two employees are expected to be dismissed after completing due process.
Dr. Hussain stated that fraudulent documentation is not tolerated at DUHS. She emphasized continued work on hiring, verification and compliance procedures. The university wants to stop such violations in the future and rebuild public trust in its hiring procedures.
Over 3,000 Employees Hired on Contract in Past Four Years
The PAC was also informed that DUHS hired 3,023 employees on a contractual basis between July 2021 and June 2025. Out of these only 54 have been regularized. The committee expressed concern over the reliance on temporary hiring which often bypasses thorough verification procedures.
Members of the committee emphasized that universities need to implement uniform hiring procedures. To ensure that qualified individuals fill critical positions and to stop contractual appointments from being abused, transparent hiring and verification are crucial.
PAC Orders Province-Wide Verification in Public Universities
Recognizing that the issue extends beyond DUHS, the PAC issued a directive to all public universities in Sindh. Every institution must verify the academic degrees of faculty, administrative, and technical staff through HEC within three months.
The committee also called on HEC to support universities by improving verification process. Universities have been instructed to submit regular progress reports to ensure compliance. This coordinated approach aims to uphold academic standards and protect the credibility of higher education in Sindh.
Ensuring Transparency and Academic Integrity
The governance of Sindh higher education system has been the subject of extensive discussion as a result of these developments. Reforms like digital record keeping central verification databases and more stringent hiring procedures according to experts are crucial. They contend that these steps are essential for both safeguarding students and maintaining the legitimacy of academic institutions.
Restoring confidence in public universities is made possible in large part by the PAC directive. The next few months are important for evaluating the success of these reforms because thousands of degrees are still unverified. Sindh dedication to upholding accountability, openness and high academic standards is demonstrated by this initiative.
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Conclusion
As public universities in Sindh begin verifying staff degrees the coming months will be decisive in ensuring compliance. The PAC directive has set a clear deadline emphasizing accountability at every institutional level. If successfully implemented this measure will strengthen governance, prevent fraudulent employment and enhance public confidence in higher education.
The significance of integrity in educational institutions is emphasized by the Sindh PAC initiative. The province is taking a firm action against malpractice by emphasizing transparency and verification. There is now more confidence among students, faculty and the general public that universities are staffed by qualified professionals.
