PESHAWAR: A major accountability scandal has erupted at Gomal University after an official inquiry uncovered 514 suspected fake degrees and alleged financial irregularities, prompting the suspension of two senior university officials and triggering a wider investigation into academic misconduct.
The inquiry, ordered by the university syndicate, is examining alleged irregularities that occurred between 2019 and 2023. Investigators are focusing on affiliation and examination matters linked to Punjab College of Elegance in Johar Abad, where preliminary findings reportedly revealed hundreds of questionable academic credentials.
According to official documents, the suspected degrees may have been issued in violation of university regulations. Authorities are now considering the cancellation of any credentials found to be illegitimate as the investigation expands.
The scandal has emerged as one of the most significant higher education accountability cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years, raising concerns about oversight mechanisms within public universities and the integrity of academic certification processes.
Official notifications issued by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Zafar Iqbal show that the university syndicate, during its emergency 143rd meeting held on May 17, ordered a formal inquiry under the Gomal University Employees Efficiency and Discipline Statutes 2016.
A four-member inquiry committee was subsequently established to investigate allegations related to fake degree issuance and financial misconduct. The committee has been tasked with examining records, collecting evidence, recording witness statements and providing accused officials an opportunity to present their defense before submitting its findings within 30 days.
As part of the investigation, former Controller of Examinations Muhammad Wasim Khan, currently serving as Additional Controller of Examinations, has been suspended for an initial period of 30 days pending the inquiry. Former Director Affiliations Riaz Ahmad, who is currently serving as Additional Director Information Technology, has also been suspended under the same disciplinary provisions.
Both officials have been directed to proceed on forced leave for 90 days, or until completion of the inquiry, to ensure the investigation remains free from interference. Under university regulations, they will continue receiving salaries and related benefits during the suspension period.
Officials familiar with the case said many of the alleged irregularities predated the current university administration and were discovered during internal reviews initiated by the present management.
The case has also drawn the attention of the provincial government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Minister Mina Khan Afridi vowed strict action against anyone found responsible for the scandal.
“Those involved in the Gomal University scandal will not be allowed to escape accountability under any circumstances,” Afridi said, adding that the government was committed to eliminating corruption and what he described as a “fake degree mafia” from the higher education sector.
The minister said oversight and accountability mechanisms in universities were being strengthened under the leadership of Ali Amin Gandapur and that monitoring of higher education institutions would continue to be tightened.
Authorities have not yet announced whether criminal proceedings will be initiated. However, officials said further disciplinary and legal action could follow once the inquiry committee submits its final report and recommendations.
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