PESHAWAR, February 25, 2026 (Shahid Ali Tareen): The Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has constituted a fact-finding inquiry committee to investigate allegations of nepotism, favoritism, and procedural irregularities in recent Selection Board meetings of the University of Haripur.
The decision followed complaints from university employees who wrote to the Chief Minister, alleging violations of merit in recent appointments. Acting on the grievances, the provincial government ordered a formal probe to examine the claims.
According to an official statement, the inquiry will ascertain facts, ensure transparency in the recruitment process, and determine whether the university administration adhered to the University Act, relevant rules, and government policies during the appointments. The committee will review all records related to the Selection Board proceedings, including job advertisements, eligibility criteria, shortlisting procedures, interview proceedings, allocation of marks, and the approval and confirmation of appointments.
The three-member committee will be headed by Muhammad Farooq, Additional Secretary (Universities), with Azhar Zahoor, Deputy Secretary (Universities), and the Registrar of Abbottabad University of Science and Technology as members. In addition to examining documentation, the committee will investigate potential conflicts of interest, external influence, or undue interference in the recruitment process.
Officials said the committee will submit its report to the government within the stipulated timeframe, after which necessary legal and administrative measures will be taken to ensure transparency, merit, and accountability in higher education institutions across the province.