Sindh Government Forms High-Level Committee to Probe Massive Fake Matric Certificate Scam

Sindh Government Forms High-Level Committee to Probe Massive Fake Matric Certificate Scam

The Sindh government has launched a high-stakes investigation into a major examination scandal involving the alleged issuance of thousands of fake matriculation certificates by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mirpurkhas .

In a decisive move to curb corruption in the education sector, the provincial government has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate what officials describe as a serious scandal involving forged documents and examination irregularities. The probe targets systemic failures at BISE Mirpurkhas, where officials are accused of issuing fraudulent matriculation certificates to undeserving candidates, including Afghan nationals, over a period of four years.

High-Level Committee Tasked with One-Month Probe

Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahu , took immediate notice of the alarming reports and ordered the formation of the inquiry committee. According to an official notification, the committee has been given a strict one-month deadline to complete its investigation, identify those responsible for the malpractice, and submit a comprehensive report.

The committee’s terms of reference are extensive. It will conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations reported by the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Mirpurkhas. The scope includes a detailed review of the board’s examination system, record management protocols, and any suspected manipulation or malpractice within the institution.

Furthermore, the committee is tasked with determining how the irregularities occurred, assigning responsibility to specific officials involved in misconduct, negligence, or corruption, and identifying systemic weaknesses that allowed the scam to persist. Based on its findings, the committee will recommend corrective measures and suggest disciplinary or legal action against those found guilty.

Arrests and Suspensions Unveil Scale of Fraud

The scandal surfaced following the arrest of several junior officials by local police. During interrogation, the detained officials reportedly revealed that certain board employees had allegedly issued thousands of fake matriculation certificates between 2021 and 2025.

Investigators allege that these fraudulent certificates were provided to various individuals, including Afghan nationals, to help them meet the legal requirements for obtaining Pakistani Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and domiciles. The use of educational documents to secure identity papers represents a significant security and administrative breach.

In light of the Anti-Corruption Establishment’s investigations and registered First Information Reports (FIRs), the government has already suspended key officials. Those suspended include Information Technology Manager Azam Khan and Superintendent (HSC Secretariat) Muhammad Shahid . Prior to these suspensions, BISE Mirpurkhas Controller of Examinations Anwar Aleem Khanzada had already been removed from his post for alleged involvement in the case.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Says Minister

Minister Muhammad Ismail Rahu emphasized that the provincial government would not tolerate corruption, forgery, or violations of merit within educational institutions. He stated that the committee has been granted full authority to uncover the facts, identify system flaws, and ensure strict legal and departmental action against the perpetrators.

“Corruption and the violation of merit in our educational institutions will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Minister Rahu said. He added that any additional officials found involved during the course of the investigation would also face strict action without discrimination. The minister reiterated that the primary goal of the probe is to restore credibility and transparency in the education system of Sindh.

Full Cooperation Mandated for Investigation

To facilitate a smooth investigation, the official notification mandates that the committee may seek assistance from any officer or technical expert as needed. All relevant officials and the board administration are required to fully cooperate with the inquiry and provide necessary records and documents without delay.

The investigation into BISE Mirpurkhas is being viewed as a litmus test for the Sindh government’s commitment to rooting out corruption in public sector institutions. With the committee expected to submit its findings within a month, authorities are hopeful that the probe will not only punish the guilty but also pave the way for systemic reforms to prevent such fraud in the future.