Karachi University Declares Justice Tariq’s Degree Invalid – Full Case Details, HEC Report, Allegations & Timeline
The controversy surrounding Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri’s degree has created major debate across Pakistan, raising questions about university verification, degree fraud, and the role of HEC. Karachi University has officially declared his degree invalid, citing serious irregularities, forged documents, and misuse of enrolment numbers.
This detailed article explains the complete background, allegations, HEC’s position, Karachi University’s findings, legal implications, timeline, and what this case means for Pakistan’s higher education system.
What Started the Degree Controversy?
The issue surfaced when a citizen, Irfan Mazhar, submitted a request on May 23, 2024, asking Karachi University to verify the degree of Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, who was serving in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
During verification, the University found multiple discrepancies, prompting an internal investigation. Once completed, the findings were submitted to the Islamabad High Court, triggering a wider legal debate.
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HEC’s Report: No Role in Degree Issuance or Verification
In its official report to the IHC, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) clarified:
- HEC does not issue degrees
- HEC does not approve university degrees
- Universities are solely responsible for verification
- Justice Jahangiri’s degree was never sent to HEC for verification
- No verification request is pending at HEC
HEC emphasized that this matter is purely between the university and the court, distancing itself from administrative decisions or disputes.
This clarification is important because many people incorrectly assume HEC controls all degree matters. In reality, only universities can validate or cancel their own degrees.
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Karachi University’s Findings: Why the Degree Was Declared Invalid
Karachi University submitted a detailed written response, outlining several strong reasons for rejecting Justice Jahangiri’s degree.
Here are the major findings:
Unfair Means Ban in 1989 – The Beginning of the Issue
In 1989, the University’s Unfair Means Committee issued a three-year ban against Tariq Mehmood after accusing him of:
- Cheating during an exam
- Threatening an examiner
According to the ban, he was only eligible to retake exams again in 1992.
However, the university states that instead of waiting, he used forged documents in 1990 to gain enrolment and eventually obtain a degree.
Fake 1990 Enrolment Form Identified
Karachi University declared that:
- A fake enrolment form dated 1990 was used
- It carried a forged stamp of Government Islamia College
- Records show he was not enrolled at Islamia College during 1984–1991
This directly contradicts the documents he submitted.
Misuse of Enrolment Numbers – A Major Fraud Indicator
The university identified two enrolment numbers used by the judge:
1. Enrolment Number 5968/87
- Originally issued to Imtiaz Ahmed, not Tariq Mehmood
- This number was printed on the degree
2. Enrolment Number 7184/87
- Used for LLB Part-II exams in 1990
- Also obtained through forgery
The Controller of Examination confirmed:
“Dual enrolment for the same individual is impossible.”
This alone was enough to declare the degree invalid.
Multiple Names and Altered Documents
According to the university, the student repeatedly changed:
- Names
- Enrolment numbers
- Details on mark sheets
Such irregularities are typically seen in fraudulent degree cases.
Confirmation from Islamia College: No Record of Enrollment
The principal of Government Islamia College officially confirmed:
- Tariq Mehmood was never enrolled at the college
- There is no record of his admission between 1984–1991
This verifies that the stamp and form used were fake.
Timeline of Verification and Case Development
May 23, 2024
A citizen files a request for degree verification.
June 2024
Karachi University cross-checks enrolment numbers and documents.
July 5, 2024
Islamabad High Court Registrar emails Karachi University for confirmation.
July 2024
Karachi University verifies to the IHC that the degree is invalid.
December 2025
HEC submits its report to the IHC, confirming it has no role in the matter.
This timeline shows the university acted systematically and followed standard verification procedures.
Legal Implications for Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri
A judge’s eligibility depends on:
- Valid academic qualifications
- No history of proven misconduct
- No involvement in document forgery
If a degree is declared fake or invalid, it can lead to:
- Disqualification from judicial office
- Removal under Article 209 (Supreme Judicial Council)
- Possible criminal investigation for forgery
- Loss of credibility
The final decision now lies with the Islamabad High Court and potentially the SJC, depending on the findings.
Why This Case Is Important for Pakistan’s Education System
This controversy highlights wider issues:
1. Degree Verification Weaknesses
Many individuals have historically used forged enrolment forms or duplicate enrolment numbers.
2. Need for Digital Records
Universities still rely on manual record books, making verification slower and allowing manipulation.
3. Public Trust in Institutions
When a high-ranking official faces such allegations, it shakes public confidence.
4. Responsibility of Universities
Karachi University’s firm stance shows institutions are becoming more accountable.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The case has sparked massive discussions online with people searching:
- Is Justice Tariq’s degree fake?
- Karachi University degree cancellation
- HEC report on Justice Tariq
- University verification process Pakistan
- LLB degree fraud cases
Many lawyers and students believe this is a defining moment for academic transparency.
Common Questions People Are Asking
Below are the most-searched questions on Google regarding this case:
1. Why was Justice Tariq’s degree declared invalid?
Due to forged enrolment forms, multiple enrolment numbers, and a prior ban for cheating.
2. Did HEC cancel the degree?
No. Only the university can cancel a degree. HEC only submitted a report clarifying its non-involvement.
3. Was the judge ever enrolled at Islamia College?
No. Islamia College confirmed he was never enrolled.
4. Can he continue serving as a judge?
This depends on the court and SJC. An invalid degree may lead to disqualification.
5. Is this case unique?
No, but it is one of the most high-profile academic fraud cases in Pakistan’s judicial history.
Conclusion
The Karachi University–Justice Tariq degree controversy is a major test of transparency in Pakistan’s educational and judicial systems. The university has provided clear and strong documentary evidence suggesting forgery, fake enrolment, and violation of exam rules. HEC has also clarified that it had no role in issuing or verifying the degree.
As the case progresses in the Islamabad High Court, it will likely influence future policies on degree verification, judicial appointments, and academic integrity across Pakistan.
FAQs — Karachi University’s Decision on Justice Tariq’s Invalid Degree
1. Why did Karachi University declare Justice Tariq’s degree invalid?
Karachi University found serious irregularities, including a fake 1990 enrolment form, forged college stamps, and two separate enrolment numbers that did not match official records. The university also stated that he was banned in 1989 for cheating.
2. What did the HEC say about Justice Tariq’s degree issue?
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) clarified that it does not issue, approve, or cancel degrees. It added that Justice Tariq’s degree was never submitted to HEC for verification, making this matter purely between the university and the court.
3. Was Justice Tariq ever enrolled at Government Islamia College?
No. Islamia College officially confirmed that he was never enrolled at the institution between 1984 and 1991, which proves the stamp and forms used were forged.
4. What are the legal consequences of an invalid degree for a judge?
If the degree is found invalid, Justice Tariq may face disqualification, removal under Article 209, or possible criminal investigation for document forgery. The final decision will depend on the court and relevant judicial bodies.
5. Who requested the verification of the degree?
A citizen named Irfan Mazhar requested degree verification on May 23, 2024. After checking the documents, Karachi University confirmed the degree and mark sheets as invalid and informed the Islamabad High Court.
