In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through Pakistan's legal and academic circles, Karachi University has officially declared Justice Tariq Jahangiri's law degree to be forged, raising serious questions about the integrity of judicial appointments and academic credentials. But here's where it gets even more controversial: the university claims that not only were the enrollment numbers on the degree and mark-sheet fabricated, but other documents were also tampered with, casting doubt on the entire process. Could this be an isolated incident, or is it the tip of a much larger iceberg? Let’s dive in.
According to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by Karachi University, the enrollment number 5968/87, which appears on Justice Jahangiri’s degree, was originally assigned to a student named Imtiaz Ahmed. Jahangiri allegedly used the LLB Part II number 7184/87 through forgery, with names and enrollment numbers repeatedly altered to obtain mark-sheets and the degree itself. The Controller of Examinations for the university has ruled the degree and mark-sheets invalid, emphasizing that dual enrollment numbers are impossible. Adding to the complexity, the principal of Government Islamia College confirmed that Jahangiri was never a student there between 1984 and 1991, further undermining his claims.
And this is the part most people miss: the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has distanced itself from the controversy, stating that issuing degrees is solely the university’s responsibility. Since Karachi University does not recognize the degree, the HEC cannot recognize it either. This development comes just days after the IHC requested Justice Jahangiri’s law degree records from Karachi University through the HEC. On September 26, the university revoked his degree and imposed a three-year ban on him, marking a significant blow to his judicial career.
The case originated in July 2024 when Mian Dawood filed a writ of quo warranto in the IHC, alleging that Justice Jahangiri’s appointment was unconstitutional due to his allegedly invalid degree. Following this, an IHC bench barred Jahangiri from performing judicial duties pending a decision from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). In response, Jahangiri filed a civil petition challenging the order, arguing that it was illegal, unprecedented, and a threat to judicial independence. He claimed the order violated Articles 189 and 209(7) of the Constitution.
During his appearance in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on September 25, Justice Jahangiri expressed frustration, stating it was the first time a high court judge had been accused in such a manner. He insisted his degree was valid, that he had personally taken the exams, and that he had never faced corruption allegations in his 34-year career. The case was heard by a two-member SHC bench, including Justice Saman Rifaat and Justice KK Agha, along with legal representatives from the University of Karachi.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Justice Jahangiri’s profile on the IHC website claims he received his law degree from Government Islamia Law College, affiliated with Karachi University, in 1991. However, the university’s investigation paints a starkly different picture. Furthermore, Jahangiri was one of six IHC judges who, in March 2024, wrote a joint letter to the Supreme Judicial Council alleging interference by intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, in judicial matters. Could this controversy be retaliation, or is it purely a matter of academic fraud? The timing certainly raises eyebrows.
Following the judges’ letter, a citizen filed a petition at Karachi University under Article 19 of the Constitution and the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016, seeking access to Justice Jahangiri’s academic record. This move further intensified scrutiny of his credentials. Additionally, Jahangiri was part of the three-member IHC bench that rejected a petition to disqualify former Prime Minister Imran Khan for failing to declare Tyrian White as his daughter in his nomination papers, adding another layer of political complexity to his profile.
Is this a case of individual misconduct, or does it expose systemic flaws in Pakistan’s legal and academic institutions? The controversy surrounding Justice Jahangiri’s degree raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of public office. What do you think? Is this an isolated incident, or does it reflect deeper issues within the system? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going.
