PESHAWAR: Serious allegations of administrative and recruitment irregularities have emerged at the University of Haripur, with claims that merit was overlooked in appointments and promotions while preferred candidates were favoured.
Competent applicants were allegedly given low interview scores so that less qualified candidates could be selected.
Teachers and administrative staff have written a detailed letter to the Chancellor, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pro-Chancellor, and Higher Education minister, demanding an immediate formation of an independent and transparent fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged irregularities.
According to documents, recruitments contrary to merit were made in departments, including Management Sciences, Forestry and Wildlife, Economics, IT, Psychology, History & Politics, and Chemistry. Despite the absence of the chancellor’s nominated member, 58 appointments were reportedly made by the 2025 Selection Board.
It is alleged that PhD holders were denied appointments and promotions while MPhil candidates were selected. Several qualified PhD candidates were overlooked in favour of non-PhD or less experienced applicants. In some prominent cases, experienced university teachers were ignored, and external candidates were chosen.
Documents revealed that the distribution of interview marks significantly affected merit rankings, causing capable candidates to fall behind while less qualified individuals were selected. In IT, Dr Dawar — ranked first on merit, holding a PhD from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoctoral research experience at international institutions — was allegedly given extremely low marks so he could not be selected as an Associate Professor, while Dr Yousaf, ranked seventh, was appointed to the Grade-20 post.
In another case, Muhammad Tufail, a PhD in Public Policy and Governance with gold medals throughout his academic career, 18 years of regular teaching experience (BPS-18), and a former founding head of department, was given the highest interview score but excluded from the final selection list after receiving low marks in the teaching demonstration. In the Chemistry Department, Dr Ashraf was reportedly rejected in favour of a lower-scoring candidate. Allegations have also surfaced regarding administrative appointments and quota violations, including ignoring of mandatory quotas for disabled and minority candidates. Several posts were allegedly advertised beyond the authorised number.
The university spokesperson stated that all university affairs — including recruitment, promotions, finances and administrative appointments — are conducted strictly under the Universities Act and regulations approved by the Senate and Syndicate. According to the statement, the administration is responsible for implementing these matters and is accountable to relevant forums and competent authorities.
The spokesperson added that every decision is made after recommendations and approvals from formal committees, selection boards and authorised institutional forums, with complete proceedings recorded as per rules. Regarding objections to interview scores or recruitment decisions, the university clarified that Selection Board decisions are based on rules, established criteria and overall performance, including academic qualifications, experience, research output, interviews and other prescribed benchmarks. Ensuring transparency and merit, the statement said, is a fundamental institutional responsibility.
The university further noted that if any individual or group has concerns, formal legal forums for appeal and review are available within the institution.
