LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday sought a reply and details of academic credentials from Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad on a petition challenging his appointment.

A lawyer, Osama Memon, challenged the appointment of Dr Ahmad as HEC chairman for allegedly being made in violation of rules and regulations of the commission. He stated that the chairman lacked experience and qualification required for the post. The petitioner alleged that the respondent was also involved in corruption of millions of rupees.

Advocate Memon further told the court that Dr Ahmad secured degrees of PhD and MBA simultaneously against the rules of the HEC. He asked the court to order the prime minister to remove the respondent from the post and also recover misappropriated amount from him in light of an audit report.

Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi directed the HEC chairman to submit a reply and his academic record by March 20.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2017