PU VC to be probed for irregularities

Minister says Chief Minister's Inspection Team will look into allegations

LAHORE: A 26-point charge-sheet has been sent to the governor against alleged financial and administrative irregularities by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) prepared the charge-sheet and decided to investigate the financial and administrative irregularities allegedly committed by Dr Nasir.

According to sources, the document had been sent to the Punjab Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the Punjab University, for his approval to refer the case to Chief Minister's Inspection Team (CMIT) for an investigation.



According to officials at the varsity, who requested anonymity, the HED mentioned various "illegal" steps taken by the PU VC and also recommended that the eligibility of Dr Nasir, against the advertised criteria, for the post of the vice chancellor be investigated. He was shortlisted and subsequently appointed as provisional VC by the Lahore High Court.

In the summary, according to officials, the department had attached documentary evidence. Sources said that the major allegations against the PU VC included an award of civil works contract worth Rs20 million without following formalities. In this case, PU's former acting Chief Engineer Faizul Hasan Sipra had submitted a written statement before an inquiry committee that he was verbally ordered by the PU VC to perform the civil works.

In the letter, the HED pointed out the alleged illegal use of powers by PU VC Dr Nasir. The letter mentioned the appointment of Dr Muhammad Awais as dean faculty of health sciences without the approval of the chancellor.

The HED also mentioned that programmes of Allied Health Science had started without the approval from relevant forums and non-availability of appropriate infrastructure.

The HED also raised an objection on the appointment of acting treasurer and acting registrar by Dr Nasir, allegedly without the approval of the Chancellor. The sources said that the department also recommended investigations into several appointments by Dr Nasir in grades 19, 20 and 21 and alleged illegal appointment of Institute of Geology director.



Furthermore, an MoU to establish the Dubai campus of the varsity, without the approval of the competent authority, would also be investigated. The HED questioned the reinstatement of a dismissed employee of PU and his appointment in Punjab University Employees Housing Society.

Punjab Higher Education Minster Syed Raza Ali Gillani confirmed the development to The Express Tribune and said that the CMIT would decide on the allegations. Meanwhile, several attempts were made to get the version of Prof Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir. However, he did not respond to requests for comments.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2017.