Education Scandal: 514 Suspected Fake Degrees Under Review at Top University

A major academic and administrative controversy has emerged at Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where authorities have flagged 514 suspected fake degrees alongside allegations of serious financial misconduct. Acting on directives from the provincial government, the Vice Chancellor has formally taken notice of irregularities reportedly spanning several years, raising concerns over institutional oversight and record authenticity. In response to the developing situation, Additional Controller Muhammad Waseem and IT Director Riaz Ahmad have been suspended as initial disciplinary action, with further accountability measures expected in the coming days. A high-level probe is currently underway to investigate alleged financial mismanagement and administrative violations said to have occurred between 2019 and 2023. According to preliminary findings, hundreds of academic records have been marked as suspicious, prompting recommendations for cancellation of fraudulent qualifications. To ensure transparency, a special inquiry committee has been formed to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation into the full extent of the scandal. Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi has ordered strict monitoring of all public sector universities in the province. She emphasized zero tolerance for corruption, stating that anyone found involved will face strict legal and administrative consequences as efforts intensify to restore credibility in the education system across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.