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LAHORE: A major scandal has rocked Punjab University after 12 of its faculty members allegedly disappeared with government-funded scholarships worth crores of rupees, meant for pursuing PhD studies abroad.
These teachers were selected under a scholarship scheme aimed at improving academic standards, which required them to return and serve the university for at least five years after completing their studies. However, they failed to fulfill their contractual obligations and did not resume their duties at the university.
Out of 56 faculty members sent abroad, 12 failed to return, prompting Punjab University to initiate strict action. The university has terminated all 12 teachers and is now working with federal authorities to recover the funds.
Officials confirmed that the university will approach the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch recovery proceedings. Additionally, letters will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior to block the passports and CNICs of the absconding teachers.
The university spokesperson revealed the list of defaulters, which includes:
- Farah Sattar (GIS Center) – Rs 7 million
- Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Center) – Rs 14 million
- Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences) – Rs 10 million
- Rabia Ibad (MMG Department) – Rs 9 million
- Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM) – Rs 84 million
- Shamaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce) – Rs 16.1 million
- Usman Rahim (Center for Coal Technology) – Rs 72 million
- Salman Aziz (College of Engineering) – Rs 9 million
- Muhammad Nawaz (GIS) – Rs 72 million
- Javeria Iqbal (PUCIT) – Rs 6 million
- Seemab Ara (Administrative Sciences) – Rs 10 million
- Samia Mahmood – Rs 11.6 million
The total amount owed by these teachers runs into hundreds of millions of rupees. University officials stated that strict legal action will be taken, and necessary measures are being planned to avoid such misuse of public funds in the future.
