Punjab University Scandal: 12 Teachers Abscond with Scholarships Worth Rs72 million

Millions Lost: Punjab University Seeks FIA Help to Recover Stolen Scholarship Funds

Punjab University is facing a major scandal after 12 of its faculty members absconded with government-funded scholarships worth crores of rupees. These scholarships were granted for PhD studies abroad as part of an academic excellence initiative, but the recipients failed to return to their positions at the university after completing their education. Despite their contractual obligation to serve for five years upon completing their studies, these teachers have disappeared, leaving the institution in financial turmoil.

Absconding Teachers Face Passport Blocks and Legal Action in PhD Scholarship Scandal

University officials confirmed that the absconding teachers were part of a larger grant scheme meant for 56 faculty members to pursue advanced studies abroad. The scandal has raised concerns about accountability within the program and the effectiveness of its oversight mechanisms. As part of their response, Punjab University has confiscated the identity cards of these individuals and is pursuing legal action to recover the unpaid dues. The absconders collectively owe millions of rupees to the institution, with some of the teachers owing amounts as high as Rs72 million.

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According to university sources, the following teachers have failed to return after completing their studies abroad: Farah Sattar from the GIS Center owing Rs7 million, Syed Mohsin Ali from the GIS Center owing Rs14 million, Kiran Ayesha from the Institute of Administrative Sciences owing Rs10 million, Rabia Ibad from the MMG Department owing Rs9 million, Khawaja Khurram Khurshid from IQTM owing Rs84 million, Shamaila Ishaq from Hailey College of Commerce owing Rs16.1 million, Usman Rahim from the Center for Coal Technology owing Rs72 million, Salman Aziz from the College of Engineering owing Rs9 million, Muhammad Nawaz from GIS owing Rs72 million, Javeria Iqbal from PUCIT owing Rs6 million, Seemab Ara from Administrative Sciences owing Rs10 million, and Samia Mahmood owing Rs11.6 million.

To address the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior have been approached to block the passports of the absconding teachers, preventing them from leaving the country. Punjab University has also decided to involve the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to recover the funds. A spokesperson for the university reiterated that the scholarship recipients are expected to repay the grants if they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The scandal has ignited public outrage, with many questioning the credibility of the scholarship program and demanding stricter monitoring of such initiatives. Punjab University hopes to recover the lost funds and ensure that similar incidents are avoided in the future. The case underscores the importance of accountability in publicly funded programs and serves as a cautionary tale for other academic institutions.

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