A corruption probe in Sindh has uncovered a major scandal where thousands of Afghan nationals allegedly obtained fake matric certificates from the Mirpurkhas Board after paying heavy bribes.
MediaBites News – from the wall of Israr Rajpoot
A major corruption scandal has surfaced at the Mirpurkhas Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, where authorities say thousands of Afghan nationals were issued fake matriculation certificates in exchange for large bribes.
The revelation comes after earlier controversies involving alleged fake national identity cards and passports, raising fresh concerns about organized corruption enabling undocumented individuals to obtain official Pakistani documents.
According to officials, the fake matric certificates were later used by Afghan nationals to obtain domicile certificates and national identity cards, thereby facilitating their integration into official records.
Bribes ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000
ASP Qurat-ul-Ain, who is leading the investigation, said the scheme involved significant corruption.
Authorities revealed that bribes ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000 per person were allegedly collected to issue fake educational credentials.
According to investigators, different rates were reportedly charged depending on the service requested.
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Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 to increase examination marks
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Rs50,000 to pass failed students
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Up to Rs500,000 to issue completely fake matriculation certificates
Arrests made in corruption case
Police have arrested Azam Khan, the in-charge of the Secret Branch at the Mirpurkhas Education Board, along with another suspect in connection with the scandal.
During a media briefing, Azam Khan allegedly admitted that the corruption network had been operating within the board and involved several facilitators.
Investigators say the suspect revealed that two government schools and two private schools were also part of the scheme, issuing fake verification letters to support the bogus certificates.
Key official named in probe
According to the suspect’s statement, Board Controller Anwar Aleem allegedly played a central role in the operation, with financial records of the transactions reportedly maintained by the Controller of Examinations office.
Anti-corruption inquiry underway
Officials from the Anti-Corruption Establishment have seized records from the Mirpurkhas education board and launched a detailed investigation into the case.
Authorities say the probe aims to determine how many fake certificates were issued and who else may have been involved in the corruption network.
The scandal has raised serious questions about institutional oversight and corruption in public education and documentation systems, particularly following prior allegations of fake identity cards and passports issued to foreign nationals.
Investigations are ongoing, and officials say more arrests could follow as authorities examine the seized records.
