Staff Correspondent
CHITRAL: The Chitral University Faculty Association (CUFA) has announced a peaceful symbolic protest over what it describes as serious alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the University of Chitral, demanding a transparent, impartial and comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
The association said its concerns were not based merely on external allegations or rumours, but were also raised in writing by the university’s Director Finance in his recent resignation letter. According to CUFA, the identification of concerns related to financial affairs, construction projects and administrative matters by an officer holding a key financial position warrants serious attention and cannot simply be ignored.
The faculty association has urged the relevant provincial and federal authorities to conduct an independent investigation, determine responsibility and take action in accordance with the law if any irregularities are established.
CUFA has also expressed serious concern over an alleged overpayment in an ongoing construction project at the university. The association questioned whether any alleged overpayment and subsequent attempt to cover the matter could have affected construction quality, quantities, materials or required technical specifications.
The association particularly highlighted the Academic Block and Hostel projects, stressing that Chitral is an earthquake-prone region and that structural integrity, seismic safety and construction standards must not be compromised.
CUFA has called for a comprehensive financial, technical, quality-control and structural safety audit of the projects. It has also demanded independent verification of whether construction is being carried out according to the approved PC-I, BOQ, structural drawings, technical specifications and relevant building and seismic codes.
The association said concrete strength testing, reinforcement verification, material testing, structural assessment and non-destructive testing (NDT) should also be conducted where necessary by an independent technical forum.
The faculty association has further demanded that, until completion of the inquiry, additional responsibilities held by the Registrar, Director P&D, Director Administration and Controller Examinations be withdrawn and assigned to impartial, competent and experienced officials.
CUFA maintained that retaining individuals with additional administrative responsibilities relevant to the issues under investigation could raise concerns about the transparency and impartiality of the inquiry.
The association also clarified that its protest would not disrupt academic activities. All classes will continue as usual, and there will be no class boycott during the symbolic protest.
CUFA President Zahoor-ul-Haq Danish said the association would continue its peaceful symbolic protest until a transparent and impartial inquiry is conducted, responsibility is determined and legal action is taken against those found responsible.
The association reiterated that its objective is to promote transparency, accountability and institutional reforms while protecting students’ academic rights, time and educational interests.
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