PESHAWAR: Serious allegations of merit violations, abuse of authority and undue political interference have emerged at the University of Malakand. Affected faculty members and university bodies have sent a letter to the chief minister, demanding immediate intervention and initiation of a high-level inquiry.
Earlier, similar allegations of irregularities in appointments and promotions had surfaced at the University of Haripur, prompting the provincial government to constitute a three-member inquiry committee.
According to documents, Associate Professor Dr Ali Hazrat, who topped the merit list in the Department of Botany, was allegedly dropped, while Dr Fazal Hadi from the Department of Biotechnology was recommended for promotion to Professor. The objection raised is that Dr Fazal Hadi specialises in Biotechnology, which is not relevant to the Botany Department.
In the Department of Biochemistry, Assistant Professor Dr Sumaira Naz was reportedly overlooked despite securing the highest merit position and seniority, while Lecturer Dr Nosheen was selected for a two-grade promotion. Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry, Dr Alam Zeb, walked out of the meeting, refused to sign the proceedings and formally recorded his objections in writing regarding this discrimination. Dr Sumaira was an assistant professor, while Dr Nosheen was promoted from lecturer to associate professor.
In the Department of Commerce and Management Sciences, during a selection board meeting held on 12-13 September 2025, two interviews were scheduled on the same day, at the same time, and in front of the same panel for two separate professor positions — one under Advertisement No. 05/2019 and the other under Advertisement No. 01/2023. During the interview for the post advertised under Advertisement No. 05/2019, Dr Alam Zeb was offered the option by the selection board to treat the same interview as the one for Advertisement No. 01/2023. He signed a written consent that the interview would be considered for both posts. Despite the identical nature of the interview (same post, same department, same panel, same date and same time), the marks awarded to Dr Alam Zeb were inexplicably reduced from 13.78 under Advertisement No. 05/2019 to 13.65 under Advertisement No. 01/2023. This contradictory evaluation raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency and consistency in the selection process. Similarly, the academic marks for Dr Alam Zeb were reduced to make room for favoured candidates.
In the Department of Commerce and Management Sciences, Dr Alam Zeb secured 48.35 marks, topping the merit list, but was not selected, while Dr Jawad Hussain, with 46.36 marks, was declared successful. It is alleged that Dr Jawad Hussain was given extra favour during the interview to drop Dr Alam Zeb.
In the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, Dr Alam Zeb again topped the list with 48.35 marks, while Dr Muhammad Hanif Khan secured 37.56 marks. Despite Dr Alam Zeb leading by 10.79 points, Dr Muhammad Hanif Khan was recommended for a two-grade promotion and appointment in BPS-21. It is alleged that previously rejected experience certificates for Dr Hanif Khan were reconsidered and included to favour him. In the Department of Economics, former Chairman Dr Ikramullah was dropped, and Madam Nafees was promoted directly from Lecturer (BPS-18) to Professor (BPS-21), despite Dr Ikramullah being the senior-most Assistant Professor.
In the Department of Law, for the post of Associate Professor BPS-20, Dr Parveen Gul was reportedly dropped, and her PhD degree was overlooked (the marks for her PhD were not assigned). In contrast, Dr Imran was recommended for a two-grade promotion from Lecturer (BPS-18) to Associate Professor (BPS-20).
In the Department of Physics, Dr Zakirullah, who topped the merit list with 48 marks, was declared unsuccessful, while Dr Imad was granted a two-grade promotion. In the Department of Islamic Studies, senior Professor Dr Saeed Akhtar was dropped, and Lecturer Dr Aalia was given a two-grade promotion. It is alleged that 17 years of experience were shown in her record, despite her lacking the required experience.
During meetings held on November 30 and December 1, 2024, for two Associate Professor positions in the Education Department, Dr Iqbal Amin Khan topped the merit list with 38.49 marks but was allegedly dropped after being awarded only 12 interview marks, while candidates with lower overall scores were selected. It is also alleged that the quorum for the selection meeting was incomplete, as the nominees of the chancellor were not present. To fill the gap and complete the quorum illegally, the Registrar of the University of Malakand signed the document despite not being a member of the selection board. The administration is accused of hurrying to complete the process and select favoured candidates, even in the absence of chancellor nominees and an incomplete quorum.
Furthermore, it is alleged that under the current vice chancellor’s tenure, several individuals, including Dr Jahangir Khan, Dr Tariq Khan, Dr Samiur Rahman, Dr Faisal, Dr Ayaz, Dr Altaf Hussain, Dr Sajjad, Dr Aalia Javed, Dr Muhammad Hanif Khan, Madam Nafees and Imran, were promoted directly from Lecturer (BPS-18) or Assistant Professor (BPS-19) to Associate Professor (BPS-20) or Professor (BPS-21). The affected faculty members have also alleged numerous irregularities in the scrutiny/quantification process, and it is claimed that the Selection Board’s marks were initially recorded in pencil and later altered.
On the other hand, an official from the University of Malakand has clarified that all administrative and academic affairs of the university, including appointments and promotions, were carried out in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations. Responding to the objections regarding the marks awarded in various promotions, the official stated that the decisions of the Selection Board are made based on approved rules, defined criteria and overall performance. The university considers transparency and supremacy of merit as its fundamental responsibility.
The official further added that if any individual has reservations about any matter, formal legal forums for appeal and review are available within the university, where an application can be submitted.
