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In Pakistan, urgent reforms are needed to protect academic integrity and prevent the exploitation of marginalized individuals by those in power. Instances abound of professors, policy experts, and retired state officials plagiarizing the work of assistants, students, and junior professionals. For instance, at a prestigious institution in Islamabad, a Star Professor plagiarized the work of a former student and colleague and escaped consequences due to institutional support.

Employees within the Sindh College Education Department allege corruption and nepotism in the recent rapid promotions of lower-ranked workers to higher positions. Around 185 promotions from Grades 1-3 to Grade 11 occurred under relaxed rules, requiring only a short computer-based typing test, bypassing verified Computer Certificates. Sources claim the promoted individuals lacked computer skills and that bribery influenced the process. Some employees, who attempted the test, expressed frustration as those with computer expertise failed while those without passed, questioning the legitimacy of the process.

The students of Information Technology, Arts and English departments boycotted the classes against non-provision of facilities and denounced abuse of powers. They alleged that the university administration was involved in embezzling funds allocated for the student facilities. They appealed to Sindh Governor, National Accountability Bureau chief Justice, and Sindh Chief Minister to take notice of the issue and help them for the provision of required facilities.

A diary seized from a Karimnagar lecturer, a co-accused in the case, revealed that the certificate racket is much murkier than the police initially thought. CCS additional DCP told TOI, “We have questioned the main accused, 41, from June 7 to 11. We analyzed the diary which revealed that the lecturer, in connivance with the staff of several universities in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guntur, obtained fake certificates for the accused. At least 4,500 certificates from 60 universities across the country were obtained and sold. He had written the rates of each university certificate in the diary.