ISLAMABAD : May 9,2023: The story of NFC-IEFR Faisalabad is a tale of a trillions rupee project, built with tax payers’ money that is now being ruined by bribery, incompetent and illegitimate appointments, and the lack of due process.
Established in 1986, the Fertilizer Research and Development Institute (FR&DI) was created to conduct research in fertilizers and process industries in Pakistan. In 1998, the institute was upgraded and began offering a bachelor degree program in Chemical Engineering with support from the National Fertilizer Corporation of Pakistan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The Institute was renamed NFC-Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research (IEFR) to reflect its educational and research functions.
Under the management of the National Fertilizer Corporation of Pakistan, NFC IEFR contains numerous industrial facilities, providing strong technical support for practical training and internships for students. The Department of Chemical Engineering was established to enhance research activities in the institute and provide high-quality education to students, enabling them to adapt to a rapidly changing technical environment and become productive graduates. Subsequently, the Department of Electrical Engineering and a four-year Bachelor’s program in Mechanical Engineering were established in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The Institute also started offering a Master’s program in Chemical Engineering in affiliation with UET Lahore in 2007.
The institute’s engineering programs are affiliated with the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has recognized and accredited the engineering programs on the basis of its facilities, high standards of engineering education, and competence of academic staff. Despite its potential to contribute to the development of Pakistan’s engineering and fertilizer industries, the institute’s decline began after the retirement of Prof. Dr. Javed Rabbani Khan in May 2013. Subsequent appointments of acting directors turning to permanent were allegedly not done on merit or through a transparent interview process, and bribery was involved. This marked the beginning of the downfall of NFC IEFR, resulting in a significant decline in the number of admissions to the institute.
Sources said concerns have been raised about the quality of education being provided, as well as the future of its students. The issue of corruption and nepotism in the appointment of directors and faculty has further undermined the institute’s credibility. In an effort to address these concerns, in recent past NFC IEFR was handed over to the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training from the Federal Ministry of Industries and Production. Maybe, this was done with a hope that this change in management will bring about much-needed reforms and improvements in the institute’s administration, academics, and overall functioning.
Regrettably, NFC IEFR Faisalabad continues to suffer from neglect. The Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training has shown indifference towards the institute, treating it as a stepchild, and a rift based on sectarian lines is causing unrest. Distinguished pioneers and senior faculty members have resigned, leaving the institute in a state of gloom. The lower staff is being deprived of their rights, and their salaries have remained stagnant for the last five years, while inflation continues to rise unabated.
Before diving deeper into the details of corruption at NFC IEFR and explore how it has impacted the institute’s reputation as a leading educational institution in Pakistan. And discussing potential solutions and strategies to restore the institute’s credibility, unlock its full potential and explore the importance of transparency, merit-based selection processes and modern facilities.
NEWSMAN tried to seek comments on the matter from the Federal Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain (PML-N) Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, but he did not respond to its questionnaire.
The NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research, an esteemed engineering institute in Faisalabad, Pakistan, is currently embroiled in a corruption scandal related to alleged illegitimate appointments of individuals to the director seat. This scandal could damage the reputation of the institute, which has historically produced highly skilled engineers and provided a skilled workforce to the industrial sector of Pakistan.
Sources disclosed that the institute has been in decline since May 2013 and is on the verge of collapse if not rescued timely. Dr. Najaf, the current director and Mr. Adeel Safdar, the deputy registrar, have been accused of selling illegitimate appointments on behalf of a Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain. It is alleged that around 43 people paid between 500,000 to 800,000 Pakistani rupees each in the name of the Federal Minister to secure their appointments. It is not known whether the Federal Minister was aware of these transactions.
Despite reports of the institute operating at a loss, new appointments have been made.
Dr. Najaf and Mr. Adeel Safdar have been accused in an FIR, and the Federal Investigation Agency has declared them offenders under section 109, 420, 468 & 471 in their report. Mr. Adeel Safdar has a criminal history and has been previously charged in a murder case. Dr. Najaf was booked in an FIA case and found guilty in a departmental inquiry for promoting sectarianism in the institute.
According to the sources there are currently two ongoing contempt of court cases against the NFC IEFR Administration in the Lahore High Court for not implementing court orders in letter and spirit. The appointments are so controversial that a person blacklisted by an international journal for violating research ethics has been appointed as Head Mechanical Engineering Department.
The reports also suggest that Dr. Najaf’s promotion may have been questionable as he was directly promoted from assistant professor to professor, bypassing rules and laws. Additionally, his appointment as director was not made on merit, and a capable, senior, and experienced candidate was overlooked. This matter requires investigation, and those found guilty must be held accountable for their actions.
The hostile environment created by Dr. Najaf and Mr. Adeel Safdar is said to be affecting research and academics at the institute. Senior members of the institute, such as Engr. Zia ul Haq and Dr. Badar ul Islam, have reportedly resigned and left the institute in a precarious situation.
The corruption scandal involving the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research has the potential to tarnish the institute’s reputation, which has been known for producing highly skilled engineers and providing a skilled workforce to the industrial sector of Pakistan. The authorities must investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The future of the institute and the education of its students depend on it. The trillions of rupees tax money of Pakistani people have invested into this project. The alleged illegitimate appointments made by Dr. Najaf and Mr. Adeel will cause a major setback for the institute, which was already on a downward trajectory. The fact that these appointments were allegedly made in exchange for bribes paid in the name of a Federal Minister is a cause for serious concern and raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the government officials involved.
The NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research is a trillions rupee project belonging to the Pakistani people, and the corrupt actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to tarnish its reputation or impact its vital work. It is therefore imperative that the authorities take swift action to investigate the allegations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The Pakistani people deserve an Institute that is free from corruption and operates with integrity. Therefore, the authorities must take steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future by improving transparency, accountability, and merit-based processes for appointments to government institutions. Only then can the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research, and other institutions like it, continue to produce skilled engineers and contribute to the development of Pakistan.
It is the responsibility of the authorities to investigate these allegations and take appropriate actions to bring those responsible to justice. The future of the Institute and the education of its students depend on it. As more information becomes available, we will continue to update this story with the more names of new employees who got appointments by paying heavy bribes. It is important to shed light on these corrupt practices and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The authorities must also take steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Corruption is now in the roots of Pakistan
Somebody save Pakistan
I am a graduate from the same institute. Its true that the institute is hub of corruption. in addition the women harassment here is like nowhere other. Female students are harassed to award them grades or otherwise they will continue to suffer. Authorities please some action and rescue the students.
Wall first of all not all the teachers were like that. there were many teachers who were real heros. But yes its also true that there were black sheeps too. secondly this isn’t something that happened with girls only. Boys were also targeted by the mafias there and then they would have to suffer.
Our seniors used to say us that this NFC is not National Fertilizer Corporation but it is National F*****g Center. Where students are ******.
I did Electrical engineering and one of our teacher Adnan Safdar married a student (our senior).
Just imagine a teacher having affair with her student who was supposed to be like her daughter. He is still their and I met a student in IEEE she told that he is still Tharki.
Adeel Safder is a criminal
Yes, there is a case on them in FIA
there are many cases on them
Adeel Safdar has given life threats to faculty members
What is his Qualification? is he from mechanical department?
Last week, I came across this news article and this left a strong impression on me. After reading this, I couldn’t help but imagine the potential outcomes that could have followed. However, I must clarify that what I am about to describe is purely a product of my imagination, as the actual events may have unfolded differently.
Upon the publication of the corruption scandal involving the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research, I anticipated that the news would quickly spread throughout Pakistan, sparking outrage among people from all walks of life. The alleged illegitimate appointments and the involvement of a Federal Minister would have deeply troubled citizens. I envisioned the story capturing the attention of the media, leading various news outlets to launch their own investigations into the matter.
In response, the city of Faisalabad would have witnessed public demonstrations and protests. Students, faculty members, and concerned citizens would have united, demanding a thorough investigation and immediate action against the accused individuals. They would have called for the removal of Dr. Najaf and Mr. Adeel Safdar from their positions, urging the government to restore the institute’s integrity.
Under mounting pressure, the government would have taken action by initiating an inquiry into the corruption allegations. A special investigation team, consisting of members from the Federal Investigation Agency and other relevant authorities, would have been formed to conduct a detailed probe. Their task would be to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover the truth behind the alleged appointments and the involvement of the Federal Minister.
Concurrently, the Lahore High Court would have expedited the contempt of court cases against the NFC IEFR administration. The court would have demanded immediate compliance with its previous orders, warning of severe consequences for any further non-compliance. The judiciary’s proactive involvement in the case would have reassured the public that justice would be served and helped restore faith in the system.
As the investigation progressed, shocking revelations would have emerged. The media would have discovered additional instances of corruption within the institute, such as misappropriation of funds, nepotism, and favoritism in project allocations. The scandal’s scope would have expanded, implicating a larger network of individuals involved in corrupt practices.
The pressure on the Federal Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain, would have intensified as his alleged association with the corrupt activities became increasingly difficult to ignore. The media would have relentlessly pursued him, seeking a response to the accusations. Eventually, due to mounting public pressure, the Federal Minister would have held a press conference to address the allegations.
In his statement, the Minister would have vehemently denied any involvement in the corrupt practices at the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research. He would have claimed to have had no knowledge of the alleged appointments or the bribes paid in his name. He would have insisted that he was a victim of a conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of his party.
However, the evidence presented by the investigative team and the testimonies of witnesses would have contradicted the Minister’s claims. The public would have grown increasingly skeptical of his denial, and calls for his resignation would have resonated across the country.
Amidst the growing controversy, the investigative team would have concluded its inquiry and submitted its report to the relevant authorities. The report would have confirmed the involvement of Dr. Najaf and Mr. Adeel Safdar in the corrupt practices. It would have also provided evidence linking the appointments and bribes to the Federal Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
With the weight of the evidence against him, the Minister’s position would have become untenable. Under immense public pressure and facing the imminent threat of legal consequences, he would eventually have tendered his resignation. The public would have viewed this as a significant victory in the fight against corruption and a clear message that no one is above the law.
Following the Minister’s resignation, the government would have swiftly taken action to rectify the situation at the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research. They would have appointed an interim management committee comprising respected academics and professionals to oversee the institute’s affairs and initiate necessary reforms. The committee’s primary objectives would have been to restore transparency, ensure merit-based appointments, and implement stringent anti-corruption measures.
The newly appointed management committee would have initiated a comprehensive review of all appointments made during the period under investigation. They would have identified individuals who obtained their positions through corrupt means and promptly terminated their employment. Additionally, the committee would have collaborated with relevant institutions and organizations to introduce measures that prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
It is important to note that the events described above are purely hypothetical and based on the expectations and hopes of an individual. In reality, the outcome of such a situation can vary, and it would depend on the actions taken by the concerned authorities, the response of the public, and the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing corruption cases.
However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that corruption remains a significant challenge in many countries, including Pakistan. It is crucial for the public to stay informed, hold authorities accountable, and actively participate in demanding justice and transparency.
Regards!
MD Atif Khawaja (New-York, USA)
Thank you for your detailed response. However, I would like to add to it. The imagined scenario you presented presents a compelling narrative of how the corruption scandal involving the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research, Faisalabad, could unfold. It highlights the potential reactions of the public, the media, the government, and the judiciary in response to such allegations. While the actual events differed from your imagination, your portrayal emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and the role of an informed and active citizenry in combating corruption.
Corruption is indeed a pervasive issue in many countries, and Pakistan is no exception. Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach, including robust legal frameworks, an independent judiciary, investigative bodies, and public participation. It is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant, demand accountability from their leaders, and support efforts to combat corruption at all levels.
While your scenario provides an optimistic outlook on the outcome, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities and challenges involved in tackling corruption. Real-world scenarios often encompass a range of political, legal, and societal factors that can influence the course of events and the ultimate resolution of such cases. Nonetheless, your narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency, and the collective effort needed to effectively combat corruption.
As the author of this story, I am not hopeless. One day, this corruption will certainly come to an end, and we will have a Pakistan we can be proud of.
Lastly, I hope you are aware of the events that have taken place in the last few days, including Imran Khan’s arrest and the overall unrest. These events have overshadowed the NFC Institute of Engineering and Fertilizer Research scandal. However, I believe this matter will be addressed soon, and justice will be served.