The Case of Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar, Former Registrar, PMDC
In the charged atmosphere of public regulation and reform, officials who challenge entrenched interests often find themselves vilified rather than vindicated. The case of Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar, former Registrar of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), is a striking example of this dynamic. Accused of approving 19 medical colleges in a single day, Dr. Akbar was later exonerated by both judicial and investigative bodies. His principled resistance to irregular practices and political interference offers lessons on governance, reform, and the perils of institutional integrity in Pakistan.
Reform Meets Resistance
As Registrar of the PMDC—a statutory body tasked with regulating medical education and professional registration in Pakistan—Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar took a firm stand against systemic malpractice. He became the first official to initiate formal action against fake and irregular registrations, an issue that had persisted for years without accountability.
His reformist agenda, however, soon clashed with vested interests embedded within the PMDC’s powerful executive committee. This resistance culminated in a campaign of vilification, centered on allegations that he unilaterally recognized 19 private medical colleges in a single day in 2013.
The Dawn Report: Truth in Print
In its detailed investigation titled “PMDC Scandal: Disillusioned with the Hippocratic Oath?” (Dawn, November 2, 2015), the national daily reported that the Registrar had strongly objected to the arbitrary approval of new medical colleges. Dr. Akbar explicitly warned the Director General Health that such recognition violated PMDC’s own regulations.
His objections had immediate effect: the proposed number of new colleges was reduced from 25 to 9. But this reprieve was short-lived. The number later swelled again to 19—not by any action of the Registrar, but through directives from the Executive Committee, which was heavily influenced by external political actors, most notably Dr. Asim Hussain.
Despite Dr. Akbar’s consistent resistance and formal objections, he was removed from his post, turning the rules-abiding official into a scapegoat.
Judicial Inquiry: Supreme Court Verdict
The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court of Pakistan through Constitution Petitions No. 146 and 147 of 2013. The Court’s findings were unequivocal:
“There was no personal involvement of Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar in any of the allegations made against him.”
This ruling delivered a complete legal exoneration, affirming that the decisions in question were made by the PMDC Executive Committee and not by the Registrar acting independently. It also underscored the importance of separating institutional decisions from personal culpability, especially in politicized environments.
NAB Investigation: No Misconduct Found
In a parallel inquiry, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi examined allegations concerning financial mismanagement in the construction of the PMDC Headquarters.
A confidential NAB letter dated 27 April 2017 concluded that:
A financial loss of Rs. 2.73 million occurred due to inflated variation rates recommended by NESPAK.
The responsibility lay with consultants and contractors—not with PMDC management.
No role, wrongdoing, or negligence was attributed to Dr. Akbar, whose name was merely mentioned in the subject line.
This report, like the Supreme Court’s verdict, further cleared Dr. Akbar of any involvement or responsibility.
Academic Leadership and Global Recognition
Beyond his regulatory and governance roles, Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s medical education system. He was the first Registrar to recognize the urgent need for a modernized MBBS curriculum that aligned with global standards. Taking personal initiative, Dr. Akbar authored the updated syllabus and successfully had it published with the support of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Recognizing that curriculum reform must be complemented by institutional oversight, Dr. Akbar also developed the criteria and processes for accrediting medical colleges in Pakistan. These rigorous standards received formal approval from the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) of the United States—an unprecedented endorsement for Pakistan’s medical education system.
This foundational work paved the way for Pakistan’s membership in the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), raising the country’s profile in global medical education. As a result of these achievements, internationally recognized standards began to define Pakistan’s medical institutions. On August 2, 2012, The News International explicitly credited Dr. Akbar for this breakthrough, reporting that “recognized medical colleges get international recognition” solely due to his efforts.
Political Victimisation: A Reformist Under Fire
Dr. Akbar’s experience is emblematic of a deeper institutional challenge. By initiating accountability measures and resisting undue recognitions, he confronted deeply rooted patronage networks. Instead of support, he faced politically motivated retribution, demonstrating how reformers in Pakistan’s public sector are often punished rather than protected.
His case illustrates how whistleblowers can be turned into scapegoats, and how institutional decision-making can be distorted to serve political ends.
Broader Implications
For Dr. Akbar:
Vindication through legal and investigative processes.
A record of professional integrity and rule-based governance.
Recognition as a reformist who resisted institutional decay.
For PMDC:
Exposure of internal dysfunction and politicised decision-making.
Clear need for independent oversight and internal checks.
An urgent call to protect honest officers rather than sideline them.
For Public Governance in Pakistan:
A reminder that personal integrity cannot substitute for structural reform.
Highlights the value of judicial independence and due process.
Emphasizes the need for legal protections for reform-minded officials.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale with a Lesson
The story of Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar is not just one of personal exoneration—it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing political agendas to override regulatory integrity. His principled stand, ignored at the time, has now been affirmed by both the Supreme Court and NAB.
Yet the cost he paid—removal from office, public vilification, and professional isolation—raises critical questions: How can we encourage reformers if we do not protect them? How can we improve governance if we punish those who follow the rules?
The answers lie not just in Dr. Akbar’s vindication, but in ensuring that no future reformer must endure what he did simply for doing the right thing.
References
Supreme Court of Pakistan, Constitution Petitions No. 146 & 147 of 2013
NAB Karachi Confidential Letter to PMDC, 27 April 2017
NESPAK Correspondence, PMDC HQ Project, 30 January 2017
Dawn News, “PMDC Scandal: Disillusioned with the Hippocratic Oath?”, 2 November 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1216936
The News International, “Recognised medical colleges get international recognition”, 2 August 2012
MBBS curriculum 2011 https://www.scribd.com/document/348651388/PMDC-Curriculum-2011-pdf
https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/360453-honour-for-pmdc-registrar
PMDC Ordinance and regulatory statutes
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