Dr Arshad Ali Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) resigned from his position. Statement released by the HEC spokesperson said Dr Arshad resigned to protect the commission’s favor from any possible damage.
The commission have suggested his termination after finding heavy plagiarism in his research papers. Dr Tariq Banuri HEC Chairman is said to address a press conference over the matter.
As per reliable sources, Dr Arshad resigned fearing his termination as more than 60 per cent matter in his paper published in 2014 is reported to be plagiarized from University of Texas.
He published this paper in order to complete his degree. Sources revealed the 18-member commission of the HEC remained nonoperational for a long period and implementation of many high-profile cases involving HEC ED hung in the balance despite final reports being ready.
The plagiarism case’s report had been completed in April, 2018, which proved content theft and suggested action.
When plagiarism by the HEC top official was proven, the then HEC chairman wrote to the education ministry that on receiving reports of plagiarism in his research paper, the Quality Assurance Division had the issue investigated by experts who confirmed plagiarism.
Another eleven papers by Dr Arshad was also reviewed by division and found plagiarism on a large scale, after which the panel recommended to terminate his contract. To analyze all aspects the former HEC chairman formed another high-level committee so that necessities of justice could be satisfied.
Committee included Vice-chancellors of major universities and Dr Arshad was given a chance to personally guard his case.
After again proving plagiarism, the panel directed the then HEC chief to apply penalty, who then wrote to the education ministry that as he was about to complete his tenure, the recommendations should be applied by the next chairman.
In the meantime, an important meeting of the HEC held on Saturday, in this meeting commission recommended implementation of the commission’s direction, which was to dismiss Dr Arshad.
HEC ED is believed to have caught air of the news and resigned from his post. According to sources, if his resignation is approved, it will be as good as to give him a safe way out.