12 teachers from Punjab University have absconded with scholarships worth crores of rupees after receiving grants to pursue PhDs abroad.
These teachers, who were awarded the scholarships as part of a government-funded initiative aimed at enhancing academic excellence, have failed to join their respective positions at the university, despite their commitment to serve for five years upon completion of their studies.
The scandal came to light when the university officials confirmed that these teachers had disappeared after receiving scholarships, which were part of a larger grant scheme for 56 faculty members to pursue advanced studies abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior are now involved in efforts to block the absconding teachers' passports, while Punjab University has already confiscated their identity cards.
A spokesperson from Punjab University stated that the teachers were expected to pay back the grants if they failed to fulfill their contractual obligation of returning to the university.
In total, the absconding teachers owe the institution a staggering amount, which includes millions of rupees in unpaid dues.
According to university sources, the following teachers have failed to return after completing their studies abroad:
-
Farah Sattar (GIS Center) – Rs7 million
-
Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Center) – Rs14 million
-
Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences) – Rs10 million
-
Rabia Ibad (MMG Department) – Rs9 million
-
Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM) – Rs84 million
-
Shamaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce) – Rs16.1 million
-
Usman Rahim (Center for Coal Technology) – Rs72 million
-
Salman Aziz (College of Engineering) – Rs9 million
-
Muhammad Nawaz (GIS) – Rs72 million
-
Javeria Iqbal (PUCIT) – Rs6 million
-
Seemab Ara (Administrative Sciences) – Rs10 million
-
Samia Mahmood – Rs11.6 million
The university authorities have made it clear that these teachers are now dismissed from their positions and will face legal action to recover the dues.
The scandal has sparked outrage, with many questioning the effectiveness of the scholarship program and the university’s oversight mechanisms. The Punjab University management has decided to write a letter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to recover the funds from the absconding teachers.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be contacted to block the passports of the missing teachers, preventing them from leaving the country.
Additionally, the university has requested the Interior Ministry to take action against these individuals to ensure they face the consequences of their actions.
