Much-needed boost: K-P govt to loan Rs230m to Gomal University

VC says money will help solve some of the issues faced by the institute

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government will loan Rs230 million to Gomal University to help overcome the Rs600 million financial deficit faced by the institute.

Gomal University Vice Chancellor Major General (retd) Hamid Shafique was addressing the Express Forum on Friday and said the loan may not be enough, but it would help solve issues faced by the university to some extent.



Situated in DI Khan, the university has been going through a severe financial crisis and the former administration has been accused of mismanaging and misappropriating funds. “I have been directed by the chief secretary to meet the chief minister and governor to discuss the overall situation,” stated the VC. He added the loan would be paid back by the university within four years.

Shafique, who took charge around four months ago, is a cardiologist and retired as a doctor from the Pakistan Army. He said he gave up his practice to join the university to provide good leadership and pull Gomal University out of a crisis.

The VC said evening classes, proper checks and balances on money matters and a self-financing system were among the steps being taken to improve the situation. While all Class-IV and other staff hired by the previous administration of the university would be terminated, new hiring would be made according to the merit and requirements of the university.

The university was established in 1974 and considered one of the premier academic and research institutions of the country. “We are committed to imparting quality education through excellent and conducive learning,” added a senior official of the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2014.