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A Path Less Taken: From Civil Service to Global Academic Eminence

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By Syed Shams Uddin

It is a matter of great pride that Professor Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Nagari has reportedly been selected for the prestigious 2025 PRMA Award, which will be formally conferred upon him on July 26, 2025, in Copenhagen, Denmark. This international recognition crowns an extraordinary academic journey that spans continents and defies conventional career expectations.

Dr. Mustafa Nagari has achieved what few have accomplished—attaining full professorial status in Norway, a country known for its rigorous academic standards, and doing so within a remarkably short span of time. This landmark accomplishment not only affirms his exceptional scholarly merit but also positions him among a select group of global thought leaders making impactful contributions in their fields.

Before embarking on his academic pursuits abroad, Dr. Nagari had already carved out a successful career in Pakistan’s federal bureaucracy. He passed the highly competitive Central Superior Services (CSS) examination and was allocated to the Customs Group under the Pakistan Civil Service (PCS). His performance in this demanding administrative role was exemplary, eventually rising to the rank of BS-18 officer. His work reflected discipline, diligence, and the ability to navigate one of Pakistan’s most critical and complex public sectors.

However, Dr. Nagari's ambitions extended beyond administrative service. Guided by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a vision for broader global impact, he chose to transition from civil service to academia. This bold decision led him to Norway, where he immersed himself in scholarly work. His academic journey culminated in the award of a Ph.D., underscoring his depth of insight and intellectual dedication.

Upon completing his doctorate, he briefly returned to Pakistan, where an official notification for his rejoining the civil service was issued. Yet, by then, his academic path had already taken firm root, prompting him to continue contributing in the field of higher education and research.

His rise to the rank of professor in a foreign academic landscape is a rare and distinguished feat. It requires not just an outstanding portfolio of research publications, but also consistent excellence in teaching, mentoring, international collaboration, and community engagement. Dr. Nagari’s ability to meet and exceed these expectations speaks volumes about his commitment, versatility, and global outlook.

His story is one of resilience, transformation, and relentless pursuit of excellence—a journey that traverses national borders and professional domains. Dr. Nagari embodies the spirit of intellectual freedom and determination. He stands as a beacon for many aspiring minds, both in Pakistan and abroad, proving that true success lies in following one’s passion, even when it demands a departure from tradition.

The PRMA Award is a fitting tribute to a man who has not only redefined his own path but also expanded the possibilities for others. In a time when brain drain is often lamented, Dr. Mustafa Nagari’s case reminds us that global recognition of Gilgit-Baltistan's talent enhances the Pakistan’s prestige and builds bridges of intellectual exchange.

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