Pakistani university under investigation over fake degrees

A major controversy has surfaced at Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where hundreds of degrees have been declared suspicious amid allegations of fake credentials and financial irregularities.

According to official documents, preliminary inquiries have identified 514 questionable degrees issued by the university. Authorities have recommended their cancellation after initial verification. The provincial government and university administration have launched urgent disciplinary and investigative actions to address the serious allegations.

Following decisions by the university syndicate, the former Director of Affiliation has been suspended. Strict disciplinary action has also been approved against the former Controller of Examinations, who is allegedly linked to the case.

Sources said the alleged irregularities and financial misconduct took place between 2019 and 2023. After records were reviewed, the scope of the investigation has now been expanded further. To ensure a thorough inquiry, the government has formed a high-powered committee to investigate the matter in detail.

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Provincial Education Minister Meena Afridi said that investigations into financial irregularities at Gomal University are ongoing and accountability measures have been strengthened across the province.

She added that no one involved in the scandal would be spared. The government, she said, is committed to eliminating corruption and malpractice from the higher education system and protecting students’ futures from such irregularities. Officials believe the investigation will determine the full extent of the issue and help restore transparency in academic institutions.