SAHIWAL: The Governor of Punjab and Chancellor of the University of Sahiwal, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, has set aside major penalties imposed on the former Chairman of the Computer Science Department and Associate Professor, Dr. Shafiq Hussain, reinstating him to his post.
Dr. Hussain had previously been dismissed by the University Syndicate over serious allegations of mismanagement, abuse of authority, harassment, and the financial embezzlement of 17 million PKR in library book procurement.
The Governor issued the verdict following a personal hearing on Dr. Hussain’s appeal, exercising his constitutional authority under the ‘University of Sahiwal Act 2015’ and the ‘PEEDA Act 2006’.
Case Background
Dr. Shafiq Hussain joined the university as an Assistant Professor in 2015 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. In 2023, the Higher Education Department (HED) and other quarters received several complaints against him. The allegations included political interference, misuse of resources, and financial irregularities totaling 17 million PKR involving the purchase of library books.
Following an inquiry, the University Syndicate’s investigation committee verified the charges, resulting in the imposition of four major penalties:
Demotion from Associate Professor to Assistant Professor for five years.
Permanent disqualification from holding any administrative position.
Absolute dismissal from university service.
Recovery of the alleged financial losses.
The Governor’s Verdict
During the appeal hearing held on May 6, 2026, Governor Punjab heard arguments from both sides. He ruled that the allegations of harassment could not be legally proven and noted that actions such as altering time-tables were merely administrative matters. Regarding the allegedly missing library books, it was verified that the books were safely present in the university’s physical inventory.
According to the Governor’s official directive:
The dismissal of Dr. Shafiq Hussain is set aside, and he is reinstated.
He is completely exonerated from all corruption charges.
However, to prevent any future administrative discrepancies, the restriction barring him from holding administrative posts remains intact.
His past five years of service have been ordered as forfeited.
Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sahiwal, Dr. Javed Akhtar, confirmed that the university has received the official copy of the Governor’s executive order. He stated that the decree will be presented before the University Syndicate for final implementation and official proceedings.