NA health panel calls for probe into PNMC President’s alleged fake degrees

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination has formally expressed concerns over serious allegations against Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar, the President of the Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC). The committee has demanded an immediate inquiry into her academic credentials and membership status following accusations of fake degrees and illegal appointment.

Allegations Against PNMC President

In a letter to the Chairman of the Standing Committee and the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, members of the health panel outlined two key allegations:

1. Fake Academic Degrees: Reports suggest that Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar’s BS Nursing and MS Nursing degrees are not recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Further investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicate that she never traveled to the United States on a study visa, raising doubts about the authenticity of her claimed educational qualifications.
2. Illegal Membership at PNMC: Ms. Zulfiqar allegedly holds PNMC membership for a Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) seat, but the GB government has confirmed that no elections were conducted for a nurse member from the region. This raises questions about the legality of her appointment and compliance with PNMC regulations.

Standing Committee Demands Answers

Concerned about the credibility of PNMC and the integrity of Pakistan’s nursing profession, the Standing Committee on Health has put forth several key questions for the Ministry:

✅ Verification of Degrees: Has the Ministry verified Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar’s nursing degrees with HEC and PNMC? If not, what steps are being taken to investigate their authenticity?

✅ FIA & FBI Reports: Have authorities reviewed FIA and FBI findings regarding her travel history and study visa claims?

✅ Election Process for PNMC Membership: If no elections were held in Gilgit-Baltistan, on what basis was her appointment made? Was it legally valid under PNMC Act and regulations?

✅ Legal Framework of Appointment: Does the approval of the GB cabinet serve as a legal substitute for an election?

✅ Investigation Measures: Has an independent inquiry been initiated by the Ministry or PNMC Secretary? If so, what are the findings?

✅ Future Safeguards: What steps will be taken to prevent unqualified individuals from securing key regulatory positions in the future?

Threat to Nursing Profession’s Integrity

The Standing Committee has urged the Ministry of National Health Services to act swiftly and transparently to address these concerns. The members emphasized that such allegations—if proven true—threaten the integrity of the nursing profession in Pakistan and weaken trust in PNMC as the country’s key regulatory authority for nursing and midwifery standards.

The Ministry has been asked to submit a comprehensive report responding to these concerns at the earliest. The Standing Committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.