FIA arrests Ex-CEO of Drug Regulatory Authority in fake PhD degree charges

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken into custody the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Sheikh Akhtar Hussain, on Wednesday, following the rejection of his pre-arrest bail in a case involving fake academic credentials and allegations of corruption. Special Judge (Central) Shahrukh Arjumand denied Hussain's bail request.

Sheikh Akhtar Hussain stands accused of submitting a counterfeit Ph.D. degree to secure his appointment as the CEO of DRAP. Additionally, he has been linked to a corruption case involving approximately Rs2.5 billion.

In 2020, Hussain was relieved of his position by the federal cabinet at the direction of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after it was determined that his doctoral degree was fraudulent. He had served as the CEO of DRAP during the years 2018-2019.

Hussain, in his defense, had claimed that his degree was recognized in Sri Lanka, the country where he asserted to have earned his Ph.D.

FIA Islamabad initiated legal action against Sheikh Akhtar Hussain for deceiving authorities by falsely claiming his demise on two occasions in an attempt to evade prosecution in the fake degree case. After conducting a comprehensive investigation, Afzal Niazi, Deputy Director of FIA's Anti-Corruption Circle, proceeded with his arrest.

Rana Jabar, Additional Director General North at FIA, established a joint inquiry team to probe more than 100 separate complaints against various officials of DRAP.

Afzal Niazi formed 12 specialized teams to apprehend Hussain, conducting multiple raids at his residences, offices, and affiliated establishments. Despite strenuous efforts in the past, all attempts to apprehend him had previously been unsuccessful.

Furthermore, the FIA placed Sheikh Akhtar Hussain's name on the Stop List to prevent his departure from Pakistan and sought a court order to suspend his Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) until his unconditional surrender.

Hussain faces serious charges, including alleged involvement in massive corruption exceeding Rs100 billion, submitting fraudulent death claims to evade arrest in two National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases (No.40/2001 and 16/2004), abuse of official powers, obtaining a Ph.D. allowance based on a fake degree since 2001 at the expense of taxpayers, and receiving salaries even after his government service termination on 17th March 2021.

Moreover, he was found to be drawing Leave Encashment Allowance of LPR exceeding Rs2.5 million following his government service termination. Additional accusations include manipulating medicine prices, promoting officials without proper processes (DPC), and engaging in irregularities within the official records of DRAP.

The arrest of Sheikh Akhtar Hussain represents a significant step towards upholding the law and ensuring accountability in the public sector. The FIA remains committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in corruption and fraudulent activities to maintain transparency and integrity within government institutions.