Health Committee Raises Concerns Over PNMC President Allegations
Islamabad: Members of the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination have formally raised serious concerns regarding allegations against Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar, President of the Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC). In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Standing Committee and the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, an inquiry has been demanded into the following allegations:
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1. Fake Academic Degrees: Allegations have surfaced that Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar holds fake BS Nursing and MS Nursing degrees, which are reportedly not recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Reports from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) further suggest that she never traveled to the United States on a study visa, raising doubts about the authenticity of her qualifications.
2. Illegal Membership: It is alleged that Ms. Zulfiqar holds her PNMC membership on a Gilgit-Baltistan seat, despite the Gilgit-Baltistan government confirming that no elections were conducted for a nurse member from the region.
The Standing Committee has expressed deep concern over the implications of these allegations, stating that they undermine the credibility of the PNMC and the nursing profession in Pakistan. As the regulatory authority responsible for upholding standards in nursing and midwifery, PNMC’s leadership must meet the highest levels of transparency and professionalism.
In their letter, the committee members have sought detailed responses to the following key questions:
1. What actions have been taken by the Ministry to verify the authenticity of Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar’s academic credentials?
2. Have her degrees been verified by PNMC and HEC? If not, what steps are being taken to investigate their authenticity?
3. Has the Ministry reviewed the FIA and FBI findings on her travel history and study visa claims?
4. What is the Ministry’s position on her alleged membership as a representative of Gilgit-Baltistan, given that the region’s government denies holding elections for the nurse member seat?
5. Was the election for the nurse member position conducted in accordance with the PNMC Act and rules? If not, was her nomination legally valid?
6. Is the approval of the Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet considered a legal substitute for an election? If so, what legal framework supports this?
7. Were all stakeholders and authorities involved in the election or nomination process? Has any inquiry been conducted to verify its legitimacy?
8. Has an independent investigation into these allegations been initiated by the Ministry or the PNMC Secretary? If so, what are the findings?
9. What measures will be implemented to prevent unqualified individuals from assuming key positions in regulatory bodies in the future?
The committee members emphasized that these allegations, if proven, compromise the integrity of the PNMC and the entire nursing regulatory framework. They have called on the Ministry to act swiftly and transparently, ensuring a thorough investigation and accountability.
A comprehensive report addressing these points has been requested at the earliest. The Standing Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and professionalism in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
