Hundreds of Suspicious Degrees, Financial Irregularities Uncovered at Gomal University: Report

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Dera Ismail Khan: A major scandal involving alleged fake degrees, financial irregularities and embezzlement of public funds has surfaced at Gomal University, with inquiry reports revealing hundreds of suspicious degrees and questionable financial transactions linked to affiliated private colleges.

According to a report appeared in leading Pakistani English daily, the investigation was launched on the directives of Meena Khan Afridi as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in higher education institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The university administration constituted an inquiry committee on April 23, 2026, to examine affiliation accounts and financial records related to private colleges affiliated with the university. The committee reportedly found evidence indicating that several deposit slips appeared suspicious or forged, while in some cases university dues were deposited into accounts other than the officially designated university accounts.

According to the inquiry report, these irregular transactions may have caused financial losses to the university. The committee recommended a detailed investigation to determine the role of individuals allegedly involved in the matter.

One of the most significant findings relates to the issuance of allegedly suspicious degrees through affiliated private institutions. The investigation identified a total of 514 degrees as suspicious. Of these, 153 degrees were issued through Punjab College of Elegance, Jauharabad, while 361 degrees were linked to Chenab College of Advanced Studies, Faisalabad. The inquiry committee recommended the cancellation of all these degrees.

The report further disclosed that 20 students of Thal Institute of Modern Education, Layyah, were awarded degrees despite having no enrolment records in the university’s database.

Following the preliminary findings, the matter was discussed during the 143rd meeting of the university syndicate. Subsequently, an official order issued on May 23, 2026, suspended former Director Affiliation Dr. Muhammad Saqib Khan over allegations of corruption, financial irregularities and embezzlement of public funds. He was also directed to proceed on 90 days of forced leave.

University authorities confirmed that investigations are also underway against former Controller of Examinations and current Additional Controller of Examinations Muhammad Waseem Khan.

The inquiry committee has recommended a comprehensive forensic audit of the Affiliation Section, Finance Directorate, Examination Department, Financial Aid Office and other relevant departments to determine the full extent of the alleged financial losses and identify all those responsible.

In light of the preliminary findings, the university administration has constituted a new empowered inquiry committee and tasked it with submitting a comprehensive report within 30 days.

Confirming the inquiry, Gomal University Vice Chancellor Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said the investigation was being conducted in a transparent manner and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible in accordance with the law and university regulations. – ERMD

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