KP Govt Places Gomal University VC on Forced Leave

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has placed the Vice-Chancellor of Gomal University, Prof. Zafar Iqbal, on a 90-day forced leave and formed a three-member committee to investigate the university’s administrative affairs. This decision was approved by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in his capacity as Chancellor of the university, pursuant to Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012.

The move follows recommendations from an earlier inquiry committee constituted by the Higher Education Department. To maintain administrative continuity during this period, Imranullah Khan, the senior-most administrative officer at Gomal University, has been appointed as acting registrar until further orders.

The newly formed committee is headed by the Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peshawar and the Registrar of the University of Science and Technology (UST), Bannu, serving as members. The UST Registrar will also act as the committee’s secretary.

The committee has been tasked with investigating several issues, including an alleged firing incident involving a university security officer and a student at the Law College, reported drug abuse in a university hostel, and appointments allegedly made in violation of merit-based criteria. It will also review the university’s administrative structure, financial management, security arrangements, hostel management, student discipline, and recruitment procedures.

To carry out its mandate, the committee is authorized to record statements from all stakeholders, identify any negligence, misuse of authority, or violations of rules, and recommend legal or departmental actions against those found responsible. Additionally, it is expected to suggest administrative reforms aimed at improving the university’s governance.

The committee has been instructed to submit an evidence-based report to the Higher Education Department within two weeks.

The decision to place the Vice-Chancellor on forced leave has sparked mixed reactions. Some faculty members and officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns that the move might create uncertainty at the university. Members of civil society also criticised the decision, suggesting it could undermine ongoing reforms.

Among the critics is retired Justice Mohammad Daud Khan, a member of the Gomal University Syndicate, along with President Sohail Ahmed Azmi and General Secretary Mohammad Ali Marwat, who collectively described the action as an attempt to derail the university’s reform process.

Meanwhile, the KP government justified its decision by citing findings from the prior inquiry committee and maintained that further actions will be considered only after the new committee submits its report.

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