The chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Khalid Khursheed, is facing a serious challenge to his political career after the University of London refused to verify his degree, which he allegedly submitted with his nomination papers before contesting elections in 2020.
According to sources, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan had asked the University of London to confirm the authenticity of Khursheed’s LLB degree, which he claimed to have obtained through distance learning.
Read more: Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan initiatives transform mountainous region
Khursheed, who belongs to the ruling party of Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and became the chief minister of GB in December 2020, has denied the allegations and said that he has a valid degree from the University of London and that it has been verified and given equivalence by the HEC.
He also said that Khursheed intended to file a defamation suit against those who were spreading false information about him. He added that there was no requirement to attach degrees with nomination papers.
The scandal has sparked a public outcry and a media frenzy in Pakistan, as many people have questioned Khursheed’s integrity and credibility as a leader and a lawyer. Some have also called for a thorough investigation into his educational background and his performance as the chief minister of GB. Others have expressed their support for Khursheed and accused his rivals of playing dirty politics.