PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 3rd Sep, 2026) Higher Education Regulatory Authority (HERA) has found serious irregularities and inconsistencies in the academic records of private colleges affiliated with Gomal University and demanded a comprehensive investigation.
According to HERA report irregularities were found in admissions, registration, enrollment, attendance, and examination records.
The matter has been raised with the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The department has formally requested HEC to conduct a complete examination of the affiliation status of these private colleges with Gomal University, including their regional jurisdiction.
It has also sought full verification of admissions, attendance, examination, and degree records of students enrolled in the affiliated private colleges.
Additionally, a request has been made to HERA for an interim ban on further admissions in unregistered private colleges and programs.
The department recommended that admissions to unregistered programs be halted until their status is verified.
It further suggested verification of degrees issued on the basis of incomplete, suspicious, or unavailable student records, and proposed that graduates with questionable academic records be required to appear for competency or verification tests.
Where educational records fail to confirm fulfillment of prescribed requirements, the eligibility of such graduates should be reassessed.
Student attendance and examination records maintained by the private colleges will be cross-checked against Gomal University’s official records. If contradictions are established, action will be taken in accordance with the law.
The department stressed that comprehensive measures are essential to safeguard the credibility of academic credentials and the future of students.
It underlined the need for transparent scrutiny of the records of Gomal University’s affiliated private colleges to ensure integrity in the higher education system.
Cooperation from HEC has been sought for verification of affiliations, registrations, student records, and degrees.
Minister for Higher Education and Local Government Meena Khan Afridi stated that there will be no compromise on the quality of higher education in the province.
He affirmed that accountability efforts aimed at improving higher education will continue, said his spokesperson.
