Probe flags suspicious degrees and financial irregularities at Gomal University

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Inquiry reports at Gomal University have identified hundreds of suspicious degrees and questionable financial transactions in a case involving alleged fake degrees, financial irregularities and embezzlement of public funds, according to official documents and inquiry findings.

The investigation was launched on the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Meena Khan Afridi as part of efforts to curb corruption and improve transparency in higher education institutions across the province. The university administration formed an inquiry committee on April 23, 2026, to review affiliation accounts and financial records linked to private affiliated colleges.

Findings on financial records

According to the inquiry report, some deposit slips appeared suspicious or forged, while in several cases university dues were deposited into accounts other than the institution’s authorised accounts. These irregular transactions caused financial losses to the university and recommended further investigation into the role of individuals connected to the matter.

The inquiry committee also called for a comprehensive forensic audit of the Affiliation Section, Finance Directorate, Examination Department, Financial Aid Office and other relevant offices to determine the extent of the alleged losses and identify those responsible.

Suspicious degrees identified

One of the main findings of the preliminary inquiry concerned degrees issued through affiliated private colleges. University records examined during the probe showed that 514 degrees were declared suspicious. 153 of those degrees had been issued through Punjab College of Elegance, Jauharabad, while 361 were linked to Chenab College of Advanced Studies, Faisalabad, and recommended that they be cancelled.

The inquiry further stated that 20 students of Thal Institute of Modern Education, Layyah, were found to have obtained degrees despite having no enrolment record in the university’s database.

Administrative action and further inquiry

After the preliminary findings, key decisions were taken at the 143rd meeting of the university syndicate. An official order issued on May 23, 2026, suspended former director of affiliation Dr Muhammad Saqib Khan over allegations of corruption, financial irregularities and embezzlement of funds, and directed him to proceed on 90 days’ forced leave.

According to the university administration, investigations were also continuing against former controller of examinations and current additional controller of examinations Muhammad Waseem Khan. Following the initial findings, the university administration set up a new empowered inquiry committee and instructed it to submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

Gomal University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal confirmed the inquiry report when contacted and said the investigations were being carried out transparently. He said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible in line with the law and university regulations.