The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has sent Gomal University Vice Chancellor Prof Zafar Iqbal on 90-day forced leave and ordered a fresh inquiry into the university’s administrative affairs.
According to an official notification, the decision was approved by the chief minister in his capacity as chancellor of Gomal University under Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012.
The notification states that the vice chancellor will remain on forced leave for 90 days. During this period, Imranullah Khan, the university’s senior-most administrative officer, has been assigned additional charge as acting registrar until further orders to ensure continuity in official affairs.
At the same time, the provincial government has constituted a three-member committee to examine a wide range of issues at the university.
The panel will be headed 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 Bannu will serve as members. The UST Bannu registrar will also act as the committee’s secretary.
The committee has been tasked with investigating several serious allegations, including the reported firing incident involving a university security officer and a student at the Law College, alleged drug abuse in a hostel, and complaints about appointments said to have been made in violation of merit.
It will also review the university’s administrative structure, financial management, security arrangements, hostel administration, student discipline, and recruitment procedures.
The panel has been authorized to record statements from all relevant stakeholders, identify any negligence, misuse of authority, or violation of rules, recommend legal or departmental action against those found responsible, and suggest administrative reforms. It has been directed to submit an evidence-based report within two weeks.
The decision has drawn mixed reaction within the university. Some faculty members and administrative officials fear it could create uncertainty, while some civil society voices have also criticized the move.
On the other hand, the government has maintained that the forced leave was based on the findings of an earlier inquiry, and that any further action will depend on the report of the newly formed committee.
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