The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has placed the Vice Chancellor of Gomal University, Prof. Zafar Iqbal, on 90-day forced leave and ordered a fresh inquiry into the university’s administrative affairs.
According to an official notification, the decision was approved by the Chief Minister in his capacity as Chancellor of Gomal University under Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012.
Acting Registrar Appointed
The notification states that Prof. Zafar Iqbal will remain on forced leave for 90 days.
During this period:
👤 Imranullah Khan, the university’s senior-most administrative officer, has been assigned additional charge as acting registrar until further orders.
Officials said the arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in the university’s day-to-day operations and administrative affairs.
Three-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
The provincial government has simultaneously constituted a three-member committee to investigate several issues concerning the university.
The committee comprises:
- Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan (Chairperson)
- Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar
- Registrar of the University of Science and Technology Bannu, who will also serve as the committee’s secretary
Committee to Probe Serious Allegations
The inquiry panel has been tasked with examining a wide range of allegations and administrative matters, including:
- The reported firing incident involving a university security officer and a student at the Law College
- Alleged drug abuse in a university hostel
- Complaints regarding appointments allegedly made in violation of merit
The committee will also review:
📋 Administrative structure
💰 Financial management
🔒 Security arrangements
🏠 Hostel administration
🎓 Student discipline
👥 Recruitment procedures
Committee Granted Broad Powers
According to the notification, the panel has been authorized to:
✅ Record statements from relevant stakeholders
✅ Identify negligence or misuse of authority
✅ Investigate alleged violations of rules and regulations
✅ Recommend legal or departmental action against those found responsible
✅ Propose administrative reforms
The committee has been directed to submit an evidence-based report within two weeks.
Mixed Reactions Within University Circles
The decision has triggered mixed reactions among university stakeholders.
Some faculty members and administrative officials have expressed concerns that the move could create uncertainty within the institution.
At the same time, certain civil society representatives have also criticized the decision.
However, the provincial government has maintained that the forced leave decision was based on findings from an earlier inquiry and that any further action will depend on the recommendations of the newly constituted committee.
Why This Matters
The latest developments place one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s major public universities under renewed administrative scrutiny. The inquiry’s findings could have significant implications for:
- University governance and accountability
- Recruitment and administrative reforms
- Campus security and student welfare
- Institutional transparency and oversight
The government’s decision also highlights growing concerns about governance standards and operational management within higher education institutions in Pakistan.
