KP sends Gomal University vice-chancellor on 90-day forced leave

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has placed Gomal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Zafar Iqbal on forced leave for 90 days and set up a three-member committee to examine the institution’s administrative affairs, according to a notification issued by the higher education department.

The notification said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, acting in his capacity as chancellor of Gomal University, approved the move under Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012, on the recommendations of an inquiry committee previously formed by the department. It added that Prof Iqbal would remain on forced leave for the 90-day period.

To keep the university functioning during that time, the government appointed Imranullah Khan, described in the notification as the institution’s senior-most administrative officer, as acting registrar until further orders.

Committee formed to investigate allegations

The provincial government has also constituted a three-member panel to conduct an inquiry into the university’s affairs. The body will be led by the commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, while the vice-chancellor of the University of Peshawar and the registrar of the University of Science and Technology (UST), Bannu, will serve as members. The UST registrar will also act as the committee’s secretary.

According to the notification, the committee has been asked to look into the alleged firing by a university security officer on a student at the Law College, reported drug abuse in a hostel, complaints about appointments allegedly made against merit, and other allegations concerning the university administration.

It will also review the university’s administrative structure, financial management, security arrangements, hostel administration, student discipline and recruitment procedures. The committee has been empowered to record statements from all stakeholders, identify any negligence, misuse of authority or violations of rules, recommend legal or departmental action against those held responsible, and suggest administrative reforms.

The panel has been directed to submit an evidence-based report to the higher education department within two weeks.

Mixed reaction on campus and beyond

The government’s move drew a mixed response from academic and administrative circles at the university. Some faculty members and administrative officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the decision could create uncertainty at the institution. Some civil society members also criticised the decision.

In a statement, Gomal University syndicate member retired Justice Mohammad Daud Khan, president Sohail Ahmed Azmi, general secretary Mohammad Ali Marwat and other members said the move was an attempt to disrupt the reform process under way at the university.

The notification, however, stated that the decision to send the vice-chancellor on forced leave was made on the basis of recommendations by the earlier inquiry committee, and that the newly formed panel would submit its findings before any further action is taken.