KARACHI: The Sindh government has formed a high-level committee to investigate what it described as a serious scandal involving the issuance of fake matriculation certificates and examination irregularities in the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mirpurkhas.

The issue came to light following the arrest of some junior officials, who reportedly told the police that certain board officials had allegedly issued thousands of fake matriculation certificates to a number of people including Afghan nationals between 2021 and 2025 so that they could fulfil the key requirement to obtain computerised national identity cards and domiciles.

Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahu took serious notice of the reports regarding issuance of fake matriculation certificates and ordered formation of the inquiry committee.

According to a notification, Vice Chancellor of Sindh University Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri has been appointed as the convener of the three-member committee.

Forms three-member inquiry committee with Sindh University VC as its head; two more officials suspended

The other members include University of Sufism and Modern Sciences Bhit Shah Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Imamuddin Khoso and BISE Shaheed Benazirabad Chairman Professor Asif Ali Memon.

The committee has been asked to complete investigations within one month, identify those responsible and submit a report.

According to the terms of reference, the committee would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations and irregularities reported by the Anti-Corruption Establishment, Mirpurkhas; review the examination system, record management and any alleged manipulation or malpractice therein; ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the occurrence of such irregularities; fix responsibility on officers/officials of the Board found involved in acts of misconduct, negligence, or corruption; identify systemic gaps/weaknesses and propose remedial measures to prevent recurrence; and recommend appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action against the delinquent officers / officials of the Board in accordance with law.

The notification stated that the committee may co-opt any officer/technical expert, if required, for assistance in the inquiry.

The concerned board and all relevant officers/officials shall extend full cooperation to the committee and provide record/documents as and when required, it added.

Two officers suspended

Based on investigations by the Anti-Corruption Establishment and registered FIRs, two key board officials — Information Technology Manager Azam Khan and Superintendent (HSC Secretariat) Muhammad Shahid — have been immediately suspended, said a spokesperson for the universities and boards minister.

He said that BISE Mirpurkhas Controller of Examinations Anwar Aleem Khanzada had already been suspended earlier for his alleged involvement in the scandal.

Mr Rahu made it clear that corruption, forgery and violation of merit in educational institutions will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He stated that the inquiry committee has been given full authority not only to uncover the facts but also to identify flaws in the system and ensure strict legal and departmental action against those responsible.

The minister further stated that if more officers or employees are found involved during the investigation, they too will face strict action without discrimination, so that the credibility of the education system is restored and transparency ensured.

It may be recalled that recently the Mirpurkhas police had claimed to have unearth alleged widespread corruption at the BISE. They arrested a board official who allegedly confessed that thousands of fake matriculation certificates were issued from 2021 to 2025 after taking bribes reportedly ranged from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000.

He alleged that matriculation certificates were also issued to Afghan nationals to help them obtain Pakistani domiciles and national identity cards.

He said four private schools and colleges were involved in the fake certificate racket, which was allegedly facilitated by certain politicians, bureaucrats and journalists.

He also disclosed that between 7,000 and 8,000 students annually received extra or passing marks through bribery.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2026