Punjab University (PU) is set to take legal action against twelve teachers who received millions of rupees in scholarship funding to pursue PhDs abroad but failed to return to the university after completing their studies. University spokesperson Khurram Shahzad confirmed that the institution will write to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to recover the funds.
Speaking to Independent Urdu, Shahzad revealed that the scholarships were awarded over the past few years by both the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Punjab University. “These were highly competitive PhD scholarships, given only to top candidates after a rigorous selection process,” he said.
Out of 56 faculty members who were granted scholarships to study in countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, 12 have not returned. The university has lost contact with these individuals, prompting administration officials to seek help from federal authorities.
“The university and HEC will also approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior next week to request the blocking of their national ID cards and passports,” Shahzad added.
According to the scholarship agreements, all recipients were required to serve the university for five years after completing their PhDs. However, these 12 individuals have violated the terms by failing to resume their duties. During their time abroad, their families continued receiving full salaries, excluding allowances.
“These individuals not only received scholarships but also continued to draw full salaries during their time abroad,” Shahzad explained. “According to the agreement, if they fail to return, they are legally bound to reimburse the full cost of their education. None of them have done so.”
Punjab University has now terminated the services of all twelve absconding teachers. Shahzad also disclosed the amounts owed by each of them. As the university moves forward with legal and administrative action, the case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing academic service bonds and monitoring the post-scholarship commitments of faculty members sent abroad.