DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Inquiry reports have identified hundreds of suspicious degrees and questionable financial transactions in a major scandal involving alleged fake degrees, financial irregularities and embezzlement of public funds at Gomal University, it emerged on Thursday.

According to official documents and inquiry reports seen by Dawn, the investigation was initiated on the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Meena Khan Afridi as part of efforts to eliminate corruption and ensure transparency in higher education institutions across the province.

The university administration constituted an inquiry committee on April 23, 2026, to examine affiliation accounts and financial records related to private affiliated colleges.

The committee reportedly found evidence suggesting that some deposit slips appeared suspicious or forged, while in certain cases, university dues had been deposited into accounts other than the authorised university accounts.

The inquiry report further stated that the university had suffered financial losses as a result of irregular transactions and recommended further investigation into the role of individuals linked to the matter.

One of the most significant findings of the preliminary inquiry relates to allegedly suspicious degrees issued through affiliated private colleges. According to university records reviewed during the investigation, a total of 514 degrees were declared suspicious.

The report identified 153 degrees issued through Punjab College of Elegance, Jauharabad, and 361 degrees issued through Chenab College of Advanced Studies, Faisalabad, as suspicious and recommended that they be cancelled. It further stated that 20 students of Thal Institute of Modern Education, Layyah, were found to have received degrees despite having no enrolment record in the university’s database.

Following the inquiry, key decisions were taken during 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.

The inquiry committee recommended a comprehensive forensic audit of the Affiliation Section, Finance Directorate, Examination Department, Financial Aid Office and other relevant offices to determine the exact scale of the alleged financial losses and identify those responsible.

Following the preliminary findings, the university administration constituted a new empowered inquiry committee and directed it to submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

When contacted by Dawn, Gomal University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal confirmed the inquiry report and said the investigations were being conducted in a transparent manner.

He said strict action would be taken against any individual found responsible, in accordance with the law and university regulations.