HERA Seeks Probe Against Private Colleges Affiliated With Gomal University
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 the HERA report, irregularities were discovered in:
- Admissions
- Registration
- Enrollment
- Attendance
- Examination records
The matter has been brought to the attention of the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The department formally requested HEC to conduct a complete examination of the affiliation status of these private colleges with Gomal University, including their regional jurisdiction.
It also sought full verification of:
- Admissions
- Attendance
- Examination
- Degree records of students enrolled in the affiliated private colleges.
Additionally, a request was made to HERA for an interim ban on further admissions in unregistered private colleges and programs. The department recommended halting admissions to unregistered programs until their status is verified. It further suggested:
- Verifying degrees issued based on incomplete or suspicious student records.
- Requiring graduates with questionable academic records to appear for competency or verification tests.
- Reassessing the eligibility of graduates whose educational records do not confirm fulfillment of prescribed requirements.
The department emphasized 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 was 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.