Gomal University VC clarifies 534 fake degrees linked to previously affiliated private colleges

Dera Ismail Khan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jul, 2026) Vice Chancellor of Gomal University, Prof. Dr. Niamatullah Babar, clarified that 534 fake degrees were linked to private colleges formerly affiliated with the University, he made the remarks while unveiling a wide-ranging reform agenda aimed at improving the university's financial stability, governance, transparency and academic standards.

Addressing a press conference alongside Registrar Imranullah Khan and Controller of Examinations Muhammad Talha, the vice chancellor said the university administration was committed to restoring institutional credibility through merit-based governance, financial discipline and strict compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

He said all administrative decisions would be made transparently and in accordance with merit and the law, reiterating that no illegal appointments would be made under any circumstances.

Referring to the fake degrees issue, Prof. Dr. Babar said the 534 fraudulent degrees were associated only with private colleges that had previously been affiliated with Gomal University.

The vice chancellor said ensuring timely payment of salaries remained one of the administration's top priorities, adding that the "No Work, No Salary" policy would be implemented to ensure accountability and improved institutional performance.

He said, under the provincial government's austerity policy, all official university vehicles had been transferred to a centralized transport pool, while stricter security arrangements had been introduced at the main campus where entry would be permitted only after verification of valid identification cards.

Prof. Dr. Babar thanked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher education Meena Khan Afridi for facilitating the approval of a Rs2.5 billion financial package for the university. He said Rs1.5 billion had already been released, enabling the administration to clear all outstanding pension liabilities, while efforts were continuing for the release of the remaining Rs1 billion.

He said Gomal University currently had six regular deans leading its academic faculties, describing their appointments as a significant step towards strengthening academic quality, research and institutional governance.

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The vice chancellor said all major administrative and financial decisions would be taken in consultation with the Higher Education Department and implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Gomal University Act, 2012, including Section 17(A), and other relevant laws.

He also announced the temporary closure of all university hostels to facilitate renovation and rehabilitation work aimed at providing students with improved and safer accommodation facilities.

Discussing the university's financial strategy, Prof. Dr. Babar said the institution would be able to ensure regular salary payments from its own resources if the provincial government assumed responsibility for pension expenditures. He added that a comprehensive financial plan had already been submitted to the provincial government.

To diversify revenue streams, he said the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences would launch subsidized dental and surgical medical camps for the public, while projects and products developed by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology would be commercialized to generate additional institutional income.

He further said the university was considering the commercial development of the historic Wensam College building while preserving its heritage character, with the objective of creating a sustainable long-term source of revenue.

Prof. Dr. Babar also announced a complete ban on smoking and the use of narcotics on the university campus, warning that strict disciplinary and legal action would be taken against violators.

Concluding the press conference, the vice chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Gomal University into a financially stable, academically competitive, transparent and well-governed public sector institution through comprehensive reforms and effective utilization of available resources.