Faculty, staff at University of Haripur allege irregularities, demand probe

HARIPUR: Faculty members and administrative staff at the University of Haripur have filed a detailed petition to the chancellor, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and the provincial minister for higher education, alleging widespread irregularities in appointments, promotions, and financial management at the university.

The petition claims that over the past four years, principles of merit and fairness have repeatedly been violated under the leadership of the curent vice chancellor.

It alleges that during the 2025 selection board, preferred candidates were appointed while more qualified individuals were deliberately overlooked.

The petition cites specific cases in the Institute of Management Sciences, the Departments of Psychology, History and Politics, Chemistry, and IT, where candidates with higher qualifications, including PhDs and post-doctoral experience, were allegedly denied appointments or promotions in favour of less-qualified candidates.

One highlighted case involved Dr Dawar Khan from the IT Department, who holds a PhD from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has post-doctoral experience at internationally recognized institutions.

According to the petition, he was denied promotion to Associate Professor despite his qualifications, while candidates with lower merit were selected.

Similarly, Dr Tufail, a PhD in Public Policy and Governance with more than 18 years of teaching experience and former department head, was reportedly excluded from the final list despite securing the highest marks in interviews.

The petition also raises concerns over alleged preferential treatment, harassment of senior national-level scientists, and denial of benefits for staff under disability and minority quotas, despite approvals from the university syndicate and the Supreme Court.

It alleges misuse of university resources, including the purchase of luxury vehicles worth over Rs8 million, unauthorized use of official vehicles, non-payment of basic facilities to faculty residing in hostels, and irregularities in procurement processes.

Faculty members, including Dr Saira Ashfaq (IMS), Dr Atiya Ashraf (IT), Dr Khalid Zaman (Economics) and Dr Fazal Hakim (Education) have reportedly raised similar complaints.

The petition also criticizes the disproportionate influence of a small group of individuals in decision-making committees and the alleged neglect of merit in promotions and hiring.

The petitioners have requested the formation of an independent fact-finding committee headed by the minister for higher education or a representative of the chancellor, with full authority under the University Act and rules to investigate these allegations.

They have also sought protection against retaliation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment by the university administration.

In response, University of Harpur Vice Chancellor Shafiqur Rehman said that all appointments, promotions, and financial matters at the university are carried out according to approved rules and regulations, with selection board approval and full transparency.

He said that university finances and administration are audited regularly and operate under strict legal oversight, and staff members have access to legal avenues for appeals and review if they have concerns.