The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has rejected the resignation of a university vice chancellor, Dr Ramzan Gujjar, following allegations linked to a purported video scandal and irregular appointments.
An inquiry committee constituted by the Punjab government visited Multan to probe the matter.
The committee, comprising Punjab acting chief secretary, higher education secretary, South Punjab additional IGP, Multan commissioner, Special Branch and other officers, recorded the statements of Dr Gujjar and the university cook, Ejaz, at the Commissioner’s Office.
The committee also inspected the records during its visit to Emerson University. Dr Gujjar had submitted his resignation after the circulation of an alleged inappropriate video, attaching a one-month notice period, and also sought one month’s leave from the governor of Punjab.
The HED, however, rejected the resignation and directed him to face the inquiry instead.
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat had ordered the formation of the inquiry committee following reports of the alleged video and complaints of recruitment against merit. During the university syndicate meeting on August 15, members expressed concerns over irregular appointments.
The VC allegedly recruited three children of a former professor and recommended their permanent appointments.
He also called over 200 candidates for four assistant registrar posts — far exceeding the Punjab government’s service rules — which permit a maximum of 10 candidates per seat.
Moreover, candidates ranked below merit were allegedly selected, drawing objections from syndicate members.
The minister has ordered a thorough investigation into both the alleged scandal and off-merit appointments. A separate committee is also probing the irregular recruitments.
