PESHAWAR:

A major academic fraud scandal has surfaced at Gomal University in DI Khan, where authorities have uncovered 514 suspected fake degrees issued between 2019 and 2023, leading to widespread suspensions and a high-level in-vestigation.

The irregularities came to light during an internal audit carried out by the university’s present administration. The probe revealed serious discrepancies in academic records, leading to recommendations for the cancellation of hun-dreds of questionable degrees.

Acting on the directives of the university Syndicate, the former Director of Affiliations has been placed under suspension, while disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against the former Controller of Examinations. Sources indicate that more officials could face action as the inquiry deepens.

In addition to the fake degrees scam, the university is grappling with serious allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement. A high-powered in-quiry committee has been constituted to thoroughly investigate these claims, with the scope of the probe being significantly expanded.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education, Mina Khan Afridi, vowed strict accountability, declaring that no one involved in the scandal would be spared.

“No one implicated in the Gomal University scandal will be spared. Strict ac-tion will be taken against individuals who compromised students’ futures,” the minister said.

Afridi reiterated the provincial government’s resolve to root out corruption and fake degree rackets from the higher education sector. He said the govern-ment was strengthening oversight mechanisms across all universities in K-P to ensure transparency, merit, and accountability.

Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests and disciplinary actions are expected as more evidence surfaces from the continuing inquiry.