PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department has constituted a high-level fact-finding inquiry committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the appointment processes and proceedings of selection boards across multiple public sector universities in the province.
Officials say the move comes amid increasing concerns over transparency, merit, and procedural compliance in university recruitments and other matters.
According to an official notification issued from Peshawar, the inquiry will examine appointments made at several key institutions, including the University of Agriculture Peshawar, University of Malakand, University of Swat, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper, University of Haripur, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, and the University of Swat.
The committee has been formed under the directives of the competent authority. It will be headed by Prof Dr Qasim Jan, former academic from the University of Peshawar, serving as Convener. Other members include Prof Dr Jamil Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Tahir Iqbal, Law Officer from the Law Department, a representative of the Provincial Inspection Team, and the Deputy Secretary (Universities-I) who will act as Member and Secretary.
The Terms of Reference outline a comprehensive review of the recruitment process. The committee has been tasked to: examine compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, and university rules, including the legality of job advertisements. Verify whether advertised vacancies correspond with positions approved in the budget. Scrutinise qualification requirements and shortlisting criteria. Assess the functioning and composition of statutory bodies such as Scrutiny and Appellate Committees. Review whether mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were obtained from the Higher Education or Finance Departments, particularly in relation to student-teacher ratios. Evaluate whether Selection Boards were constituted in accordance with statutory requirements. Identify any anomalies that may have deprived eligible candidates of fair opportunities.
The inquiry committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report along with recommendations within 15 days. The report is expected to highlight procedural lapses, if any, and suggest corrective measures.
