PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has expanded an investigation into alleged academic and financial irregularities at Gomal University after an official review flagged more than 500 degrees as suspicious, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the Higher Education Department, the inquiry was initiated after the university administration identified alleged irregularities spanning 2019 to 2023. The review raised concerns over degree issuance procedures, prompting provincial authorities to step in.
Preliminary findings have already resulted in administrative action. Officials confirmed that a former director of affiliations has been suspended, while proceedings have also been initiated against a former controller of examinations for their alleged role in the matter.
Scrutiny of university records revealed 514 questionable degrees, leading investigators to recommend their cancellation, according to officials familiar with the inquiry.
In response to the findings, the provincial government has constituted a fresh inquiry committee tasked with conducting a detailed examination of academic records, affiliation processes, and examination controls at the university. Allegations of financial mismanagement are also being probed as part of the expanded investigation.
Provincial Minister for Higher Education Mina Khan Afridi said the government would take the case to its logical conclusion and ensure strict accountability.
“Anyone found involved in issuing irregular degrees or causing financial losses to the institution will be held responsible,” the minister said, according to an official statement.
He added that the KP government is strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms across public sector universities to safeguard academic standards and protect students’ interests.
According to the minister, efforts are underway to eliminate corruption, malpractice, and governance weaknesses in higher education institutions. He said restoring public confidence in the credibility of university qualifications remains a top priority for the provincial government.
Officials said the inquiry at Gomal University is part of a broader push to tighten regulatory oversight and improve transparency in the higher education sector across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further action is expected once the inquiry committee submits its final report.
