ISLAMABAD: The University of Chitral Academic Association on Monday called for an independent probe into alleged financial and administrative irregularities, including a disputed Rs15.9 million contractor payment, controversial appointments and promotions, and concerns over construction quality under a federal development project.
Speaking to ChitralToday, association representatives and Dr Fahad Jan, an assistant professor of economics and former director of finance who recently stepped down in protest against alleged corruption at the university, outlined the allegations.
The association called for a high-powered inquiry involving independent technical experts and forensic auditors to investigate the matter thoroughly.
At the centre of the dispute is the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) project titled “Establishment of University of Chitral (EUOCH)” under which an academic block and student hostel are being constructed.
The Faculty Association demanded an independent technical audit of the project, alleging that some construction work at the main campus did not meet required engineering standards. It also called for provincial and federal experts to assess the structures, materials and workmanship.
Dr Jan said the quality of construction required independent scrutiny because Chitral lies in an earthquake-prone region.
“The infrastructure being built today will define the safety and future of Chitral’s youth for decades,” he said, calling for an assessment of the work completed so far, including structural quality and material strength.
The association also questioned the dual assignment of Dr Irshad Khattak, an assistant professor of management sciences, as registrar and director planning and development (P&D), asking why other professors were not considered for the posts.
Faculty representatives contended that the arrangement had concentrated significant administrative and financial authority in one official and called for an independent examination of the appointments and the exercise of these powers.
The complainants also referred to an audit observation concerning an alleged Rs15.9 million over-payment to a contractor during Dr Khattak’s initial tenure as project director.
They alleged that, instead of initiating proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) rules or referring the matter to the relevant oversight bodies, the university administration described the discrepancy as a “typographical error”.
The association demanded an independent review of both the alleged payment and the manner in which the audit observation was dealt with. The faculty also raised questions over the construction of the campus mosque.
According to the academics, an approved central mosque envisaged under the EUOCH master plan was replaced with a smaller facility, which they allege was financed by an individual donor in Turkey.
They further alleged that the donor funds did not pass through the university’s official bank accounts with payments instead made directly between donor representatives and suppliers under the supervision of Dr Khattak and Dr Nadeem Hassan.
The association called for the financial arrangements to be examined in light of public financial management and university treasury rules.
Another issue concerns an alleged proposal to grant out-of-turn “double promotions” to Dr Irshad Khattak of Management Sciences and Dr Sanaullah of Sociology.
Faculty members alleged that the two assistant professors, considered close to the vice chancellor, were being promoted directly to professor, bypassing the associate professor rank.
They termed the move a violation of HEC benchmarks, noting that the Sociology Department’s student-teacher ratio is far below the level required to justify the proposed promotion.
The dispute intensified after a syndicate meeting convened by VC Hazir Ullah on August 29, at which the administration sought approval for an internal fact-finding committee to examine the financial and administrative complaints.
Dr Jan and the Faculty Association rejected the proposed mechanism, arguing that the vice chancellor had selected the internal members while retaining the authority to nominate external members.
“How can an executive who is a party in the case pick the judges to investigate his own administration,” Dr Jan said.
The faculty has demanded that officials named in its complaints – Dr Khattak, Dr Sanaullah and Dr Mujahid, who has been assigned additional charge of director finance – neither represent the university in the matter nor serve on any inquiry panel.
When contacted by ChitralToday, VC Hazirullah rejected the allegations, describing claims of financial impropriety, favouritism and substandard civil works as “baseless and fabricated”. He said the campaign was being driven by “vested interests” opposed to his administrative measures and efforts to develop the University of Chitral into a leading institution.
The VC also denied any plan for out-of-turn or illegal promotions, saying all administrative decisions were being taken in accordance with statutory rules.
He identified Dr Jan as the principal figure behind the allegations and said the academic had already approached the provincial ombudsman. He added that he would respond before the competent statutory authorities if an official inquiry were ordered.
Dr Jan, however, stood by his allegations and said he was prepared to produce documentary evidence before the ombudsman, federal investigative agencies and courts.
The Faculty Association said it had approached the KP chancellor and federal bodies, including the HEC, Ministry of Planning and NAB, seeking intervention.
It demanded an independent inquiry, supported by technical experts and forensic auditors, to examine the EUOCH construction site and scrutinise the relevant university and project accounts.
The association also called for the withdrawal of additional administrative charges held by officials named in the complaints, arguing that this would prevent possible interference with evidence or proceedings.
It further demanded that VC Hazirullah be placed on leave during the inquiry, citing concerns over administrative pressure and possible obstruction of proceedings.
Related:
Irregularities alleged in appointments at Chitral University
seems to be fake, dr irshad khatokk is very nice person. dual charge are given because he is competent and deserves it. dr irshad khatok has previous research and management experience so he deserve to be a full professor and registrar. dr irshad khatok is sadiq and amin, he never tells a lie, he doesnt do backdoor hyprocrisy like other staff. dr irshad khatok is man of principles, he never bows down to pressures from association or even VC, if the VC tells him something to do which is against rules, dr irshad khatok never listens to VC. He never lies, he is truly an example of sadiq and amin, he is VCs main man. Chitralis are lucky to have dr irshad khatok as registrar and professor. the students are very much satisfied with his teachings. he is professor of practice. we love dr irshad khatok. long live