PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University has expelled Dr. Muhammad Ali, Master of Public Health (MPH) scholar at the Institute of Public Health & Social Sciences for academic dishonesty, as it was confirmed that his MPH thesis involved plagiarism and fabricated data in violation of the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) policy.

In addition to his expulsion from the KMU, the scholar has been barred from taking admission in any higher education institution for one year, and from availing any form of research funding, scholarships, travel grants, or fellowships for a period of two years.

This decision was taken during the second meeting of the institutional quality circle (IQC) committee organised by the KMU’s quality enhancement cell and chaired by the vice chancellor, Prof. Ziaul Haq.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC stated that as the university was providing maximum facilities and academic support, therefore, there would be no leniency or compromise on issues such as harassment and plagiarism. He emphasised that the KMU strictly adhered to a zero-tolerance policy on such unethical and illegal practices.

Earlier in the meeting, heads of departments presented their progress reports on improving academic quality. Expressing satisfaction, the vice chancellor directed that any gaps or deficiencies must be immediately addressed in line with the standards set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025