Gomal University suspends officials as probe uncovers suspected 514 fake degrees

PESHAWAR: A major investigation into alleged fake degree issuance and financial irregularities at Gomal University has uncovered hundreds of suspicious academic credentials and led to the suspension of two key university officials, according to official documents and statements from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The inquiry, ordered by the university’s syndicate, is examining alleged irregularities that occurred between 2019 and 2023 and is focused on affiliations and examinations linked to a private educational institution, Punjab College of Elegance in Johar Abad.

According to officials, preliminary findings identified 514 degrees as suspicious, prompting authorities to broaden the scope of the investigation and consider cancellation of credentials found to have been issued in violation of university regulations.

The scandal has emerged as one of the most significant accountability cases involving a public university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years, with provincial authorities pledging action against those responsible.

Official notifications issued by Gomal University 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 constituted to investigate allegations relating to fake degree issuance and financial misconduct.

Under the notification, the committee had been tasked with examining records, collecting evidence, recording witness statements and providing accused officials an opportunity to present their defence before submitting findings within 30 days.

As part of the investigation, the university suspended former Controller of Examinations Muhammad Wasim Khan, who currently serves as Additional Controller of Examinations, for an initial period of 30 days pending the inquiry.

A separate office order also suspended former Director Affiliations Riaz Ahmad, currently serving as Additional Director Information Technology, 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 is not influenced or obstructed.

They will continue to receive salaries and related benefits during the suspension period in accordance with university regulations.

The inquiry follows concerns raised over the university’s affiliation and examination processes during previous administrations.

Officials familiar with the matter said many of the alleged irregularities predated the current university management and were uncovered during internal reviews initiated by the present administration.

The case has attracted attention from the provincial government, which has recently emphasized greater oversight of higher education institutions.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education and Local Government Mina Khan Afridi said that the provincial government would not spare those found involved in the scandal.

“Those involved in the Gomal University scandal will not be allowed to escape accountability under any circumstances,” Afridi said in a statement issued by his office.

He said the provincial government was committed to cleansing the higher education system of corruption and what he described as a “fake degree mafia”.

“We will purge the higher education system of corruption and fake degree networks,” the minister said, adding that strict accountability would be ensured for anyone who compromised students’ futures.

Afridi said accountability measures in universities were being strengthened under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s government and that monitoring mechanisms across higher education institutions were being tightened.

The minister’s office said a new investigation committee had been established and that scrutiny of academic and administrative affairs at universities would continue.

The inquiry remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced whether criminal proceedings or additional disciplinary actions will follow.

University officials said further action would be taken after the inquiry committee submits its final findings and recommendations.