ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday arrested former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) Sheikh Akhtar Hussain, following dismissal of his prearrest bail in fake degree and corruption case. Special Judge (Central) Shahrukh Arjumand dismissed the bail plea of Hussain.

He was accused of presenting fake degree of PhD to get appointment of CEO Drap. He was also allegedly involved in Rs2.5bn corruption case.

Hussain was dismissed by the federal cabinet in 2020 on the directions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after his doctorate degree turned out to be fake. He remained the CEO DRAP in 2018-2019.

However, Hussain claimed that his degree was recognised in Sri Lanka, the country from where he claimed to have completed his PhD.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2023