LAHORE: Twelve teachers from Punjab University received scholarships worth crores of rupees to pursue PhD degrees abroad but did not return to serve the university as required.
According to a private TV report, the university administration has decided to dismiss these teachers and recover the funds. Letters will be sent to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant authorities for assistance.
A university spokesperson stated that requests will be sent to the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to block the identity cards and passports of the absconding teachers.
These teachers violated their agreements by refusing to serve the university for at least five years after completing their PhDs, making them liable to repay the full scholarship amount.
The university reported that out of 56 teachers who received scholarships for overseas education, 12 failed to fulfill their service obligations. The details of the absconding teachers and the amounts they owe are as follows:
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Farah Sattar (GIS Centre): Rs7 million
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Syed Mohsin Ali (GIS Centre): Rs14 million
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Kiran Ayesha (Institute of Administrative Sciences): Rs10 million
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Rabia Ibad (MMG Department): Rs9 million
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Khawaja Khurram Khurshid (IQTM): Rs8.4 million
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Shamaila Ishaq (Hailey College of Commerce): Rs16.1 million
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Usman Rahim (Centre for Coal Technology): Rs7.2 million
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Salman Aziz (College of Engineering): Rs9 million
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Muhammad Nawaz (GIS): Rs7.2 million
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Jaweria Iqbal (PUCIT): Rs6 million
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Simab Ara (Administrative Sciences): Rs10 million
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Samia Mahmood: Rs11.6 million.
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The university has formally terminated these teachers and initiated legal proceedings to recover the funds. Seven of the teachers received grants from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), while five were funded by Punjab University’s own scholarships.
University officials stated they will take strict legal action to recover the funds and prevent such incidents in the future.
