In what is being described as an unprecedented accountability initiative in the institution’s history, Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, has decided to cancel more than 1,200 allegedly suspected LLB degrees issued through its affiliated law colleges as part of a wider campaign against academic fraud and to strengthen transparency and institutional accountability.
A public notice for the cancellation of the degrees is being issued, with the list reportedly including several prominent members of the legal fraternity. The move is being viewed as a landmark step towards enforcing the rule of law, improving governance and restoring credibility in the higher education system.
Sources told The News that under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr Yousuf Khushk, a special committee comprising senior professors and university officials has undertaken a series of reforms over the past two years aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and institutional governance.
According to the sources, the latest action follows an extensive scrutiny of university records, completion of legal formalities and decisions taken by the university’s Syndicate. The matter was formally approved during the Syndicate’s 92nd meeting.
An inquiry committee constituted under the Syndicate examined and verified records maintained by the university and its affiliated law colleges. During the investigation, numerous suspected academic records were identified, while several affiliated colleges reportedly disowned entries attributed to them.
Following the Syndicate’s approval, the university initiated the process for cancelling the disputed degrees. Officials described it as the third major phase of the present administration’s accountability campaign.
In the first phase, first information reports (FIRs) were registered against 128 individuals in connection with allegedly fake academic records. In the second phase, departmental and legal proceedings were initiated against more than eight university officials, who were suspended and barred from entering the campus.
The third phase involves more than 1,200 suspect LLB degree records from various affiliated law colleges. Under the public notice, the concerned candidates have been directed to submit authentic documentary evidence supporting the validity of their academic credentials within 15 days. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their examination results and degrees.
University officials said the public notice is intended to ensure that all affected individuals are given an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the principles of due process and natural justice before any final action is taken.
Once the stipulated period expires, the university will proceed with final action in accordance with applicable laws, university regulations and the Syndicate’s decisions. Sources further said that Dr Khushk was selected on merit by the Sindh Search Committee, and that the administration’s strict anti-corruption measures following his appointment brought the alleged fake degree scandal to light, contributing to the restoration of the university’s credibility.
