THE systematic disorder and incompetence in various government institutions and their illogical policies have brought society to the brink of collapse. And, unfortunately, instead of questioning such fallacies, the self-proclaimed intelligentsia wishes to maintain the status quo.

Recently, I fell victim to this inept system when I was asked to get attested my credible and authorised degree that I had received after a long and hectic process of prudent institutional scrutiny.

First I had to get verified the computerised national identity card (CNIC) issued by the one and only National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). It had to be verified by some individual working in the public sector in a certain pay-scale. What is the point of maintaining or even funding Nadra through huge taxpayer money if its documents also require verification.

Then I had to get my degrees, which I had received from a university recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), verified by the HEC itself.

Why, in the first place, these institutions are recognised and authorised by the HEC if the credibility of the documents these institutions issue has to be questioned by the authority again?

Next up, I had to get the HEC-verified documents re-verified by a government employee in a certain pay-scale. It seems the competent institution does have some doubts about its own credibility that needs to be verified by someone else. This time I approached one of my professors who had taught me for about four years.

If this is not a case of systematic disorder, what is? To create and sustain such a disorder, you need people and institutions that recreate self-doubts and denials. But, to run an effective system, you need decisive institutions run by credible people who do smart work.

Shujaat Amin
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2022