Inquiry uncovers over 500 suspicious degrees, financial irregularities at KP's Gomal University

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 officia