TODAY’S PAPER | February 21, 2026 | EPAPER

Varsity pro-VC suspended after viral videos allegedly show him drunk on campus

Sindh govt says suspension is temporary, pending formal inquiry under Sindh University Act


Abbas Naqvi February 12, 2026 3 min read
Source: X (Screenshots)

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has suspended Professor Azhar Shah, pro-vice chancellor of the University of Sindh’s Dadu campus, after videos circulated on social media allegedly showed him intoxicated, using inappropriate language, and creating a disturbance on campus.

According to an official notification issued by the Universities and Boards Department on Feb. 10, the provincial government directed the vice chancellor of Sindh University to place the pro-VC under immediate suspension and initiate a formal inquiry into the incident.

The notification stated that the inquiry should be conducted in accordance with the Sindh University Act and relevant service rules, and directed the university administration to complete the proceedings within 15 days. The findings and recommendations of the inquiry are to be submitted to the universities and boards minister for further action.

The directive issued by the Universities & Boards Department, Government of Sindh, instructing the Vice-Chancellor to place Professor Azhar Shah under immediate suspension.

According to reports, Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo confirmed the suspension, saying the provincial government acted to uphold discipline and protect the credibility of public sector universities. He said the matter would be dealt with strictly in line with the law once the inquiry report is received.

The videos, which were widely shared on social media platforms, purportedly show the pro-vice chancellor in a state of intoxication during working hours. The footage prompted criticism online and calls for administrative action, leading to intervention by the provincial government.

Read: New grading policy for matric, inter exams faces setback in Sindh

The notification further instructed that the case be placed before the university’s syndicate, the institution’s highest decision-making body, after completion of the inquiry, as required under university regulations.

Sindh University, headquartered in Jamshoro, is one of the province’s largest public sector institutions, with multiple campuses across Sindh, including the Dadu campus. The pro-vice chancellor is responsible for overseeing academic and administrative affairs at the campus level and reports to the vice chancellor.

Following the provincial government's directive, the University of Sindh administration has formally relieved Prof Dr Azhar Ali Shah of his additional charge as Focal Person of the Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Sindh University Campus, Dadu.

The official notification from the University of Sindh Registrar, Jamshoro, relieving Prof. Dr. Azhar Ali Shah of his charge and appointing Prof. Dr. Anila Naz Soomro as the Focal Person for the Dadu campus.

According to an official order (No. ADMN:/-483) issued on February 11 by the Registrar, Prof Dr Anila Naz Soomro has been assigned the charge of Focal Person for the Dadu campus with immediate effect. Dr Soomro, who currently serves as the Focal Person for the Khan Bahadur Allahando Shah Sindh University Campus in Naushehro Feroze, will oversee the Dadu campus until further orders.

The notification further specified that the fact-finding committee is expected to submit its complete report within three days to determine the next steps in the process.

No official statement was issued by Sindh University separately at the time of filing of this report. Professor Shah has also not publicly commented on the allegations or the suspension.

The development was also highlighted on social media, where several accounts shared updates regarding the government’s decision following the circulation of the videos.

Under provincial rules, suspension is considered a temporary administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Any disciplinary action beyond suspension is taken after completion of a formal inquiry and approval by the competent authority.

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