A major scandal has emerged at Punjab University as 12 teachers have absconded with scholarships worth crores of rupees after receiving grants intended for PhD studies abroad. These faculty members were awarded the scholarships as part of a government-funded initiative to promote academic excellence. However, they have failed to return to their positions at the university, despite a contractual obligation to serve for five years after completing their studies.
The scam was exposed when university officials confirmed that these teachers had disappeared after receiving scholarships as part of a larger grant scheme that provided funding for 56 faculty members to pursue advanced studies abroad.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior are working to block the absconding teachers’ passports. Meanwhile, Punjab University has already seized their identity cards. The university has also made it clear that the teachers are now dismissed and will face legal action to recover the substantial sums owed. If they fail to fulfill their obligations, they are required to repay the grant money.
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The total amount owed by the absconding teachers includes millions of rupees in unpaid dues. Some of the teachers who have not returned include:
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Farah Sattar (GIS Center) – Rs 7 million
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Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Center) – Rs 14 million
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Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences) – Rs 10 million
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Rabia Ibad (MMG Department) – Rs 9 million
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Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM) – Rs 84 million
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Shamaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce) – Rs 16.1 million
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Usman Rahim (Center for Coal Technology) – Rs 72 million
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Salman Aziz (College of Engineering) – Rs 9 million
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Muhammad Nawaz (GIS) – Rs 72 million
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Javeria Iqbal (PUCIT) – Rs 6 million
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Seemab Ara (Administrative Sciences) – Rs 10 million
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Samia Mahmood – Rs 11.6 million
The scandal has triggered widespread outrage, with many questioning the effectiveness of the scholarship program and the university’s monitoring systems. The university management has taken action by contacting the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to recover the funds from the absconding teachers. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to block the teachers’ passports, preventing them from fleeing the country, and the Interior Ministry has been urged to take appropriate measures against the individuals involved.
