A major academic scandal has emerged at Punjab University, where 12 faculty members have reportedly absconded after receiving government-funded scholarships worth crores of rupees. These scholarships were part of a higher education initiative designed to promote academic excellence by enabling faculty to pursue PhD studies abroad.
The teachers, who were contractually obligated to return to Pakistan and serve at Punjab University for at least five years following the completion of their studies, have failed to rejoin their positions. University officials confirmed that the individuals have disappeared, violating the terms of their agreements and leaving the institution with massive financial losses.
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The scholarships were awarded under a program that funded a total of 56 faculty members for foreign PhDs. The 12 absconding teachers owe millions of rupees collectively. Their failure to return has prompted action from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. Efforts are underway to block their passports, while the university has already confiscated their identity cards.
According to Punjab University sources, the following individuals have failed to fulfill their contractual obligations and are being held accountable for the respective scholarship amounts:
Farah Sattar (GIS Center) – Rs7 million
Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Center) – Rs14 million
Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences) – Rs10 million
Rabia Ibad (MMG Department) – Rs9 million
Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM) – Rs84 million
Shamaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce) – Rs16.1 million
Usman Rahim (Center for Coal Technology) – Rs72 million
Salman Aziz (College of Engineering) – Rs9 million
Muhammad Nawaz (GIS) – Rs72 million
Javeria Iqbal (PUCIT) – Rs6 million
Seemab Ara (Administrative Sciences) – Rs10 million
Samia Mahmood – Rs11.6 million
The total value of unpaid dues runs into crores of rupees. The university has confirmed that these teachers have been formally dismissed from their positions and will face legal action. A letter is being sent to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate recovery of the funds.
The incident has raised serious concerns about oversight in scholarship programs and the accountability mechanisms in place to ensure that such investments in education serve their intended purpose. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to assist in preventing these individuals from traveling abroad by blocking their passports. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior has been approached to take strict measures against the absconding scholars.
This scandal has sparked outrage across academic and public circles, with many demanding a comprehensive review of the university’s scholarship granting processes and monitoring systems.
