KOHAT – Gomal University has been plunged into another round of administrative uncertainty after Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal was sent on 90 days of compulsory leave for the second time this year, with Dr Shakeeb Ullah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary Sciences, Swat, assigned additional charge of the institution until further orders.
The decision has triggered concern among civil society representatives in Dera Ismail Khan, who have questioned repeated changes in the university’s leadership and demanded transparency, administrative stability and protection of students’ academic interests.
According to a notification issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department on October 27, the provincial governor, exercising his powers as Chancellor of Gomal University, directed Dr Zafar Iqbal to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect. The order was issued under Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012, as amended, to facilitate the implementation of recommendations submitted by an inquiry committee.
The committee’s recommendations are to be placed before the university’s Senate for consideration. Under the same notification, Dr Shakeeb Ullah has been entrusted with additional responsibilities as Vice Chancellor of Gomal University while continuing to serve as head of the University of Veterinary Sciences, Swat.
Second Compulsory Leave Order in Five Months
Dr Zafar Iqbal assumed charge of Gomal University in May 2025, but his tenure has since been marked by repeated administrative interventions. In June 2026, the provincial government, then headed by Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, reportedly placed him on 90 days of compulsory leave following recommendations from an inquiry committee.
During that period, Imranullah Khan, the university’s senior-most administrative officer, was appointed acting registrar as an interim arrangement to ensure continuity in institutional operations.
Now, just months later, another compulsory leave order has once again raised questions about the university’s governance, decision-making process and long-term administrative direction.
The latest controversy is not the first involving a Gomal University vice chancellor. In 2021, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, acting as the university’s chancellor, reportedly ordered then Vice Chancellor Dr Iftikhar Ahmad to proceed on compulsory leave.
That action was linked to allegations that Dr Iftikhar Ahmad had directly approached then Prime Minister Imran Khan through a letter.
The latest development has revived debate over repeated administrative disputes and the challenges of maintaining consistent leadership at one of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s major public universities.
The fresh administrative change has drawn criticism from civil society representatives in Dera Ismail Khan, who fear that frequent leadership changes could disrupt academic activities and undermine confidence in the institution. During a meeting attended by local civil society members, participants expressed concerns over the management of Gomal University, alleged political interference and the possible consequences of another change in its leadership.
Speaking on the occasion, Sohail Ahmed Azmi questioned the decision to assign additional charge to Dr Shakeeb Ullah, arguing that such arrangements could affect the university’s administration and the educational interests of the people of Dera Ismail Khan. He urged the relevant authorities to place institutional stability, merit and transparency above political or personal considerations.
Azmi maintained that educational institutions should be allowed to function independently, without becoming entangled in disputes that could adversely affect students, teachers and administrative staff.
The decision to hand additional charge to Dr Shakeeb Ullah has also prompted objections from some participants. Critics referred to alleged criminal cases, inquiries and other accusations involving Dr Shakeeb Ullah, demanding that the authorities examine the circumstances surrounding his appointment. However, the nature, legal status and outcome of these alleged cases and inquiries have not been independently established. The accusations do not, by themselves, constitute proof of wrongdoing.
Some civil society members also defended Dr Zafar Iqbal, claiming that his original appointment had been made on merit and in accordance with judicial directions. They argued that he had been working to improve administrative affairs and strengthen institutional governance but had encountered resistance from alleged internal lobbying and political interference.
Civil society representatives urged the provincial government, university authorities and other relevant institutions to ensure that administrative decisions are based on established legal procedures rather than personal interests or political pressure. They stressed that any investigation involving university officials should be conducted fairly, with transparency and due process, while protecting the institution’s academic environment.
Participants also demanded that the authorities address long-standing governance concerns and establish a stable administrative framework to prevent recurring disputes over the university’s leadership. Established in 1974, Gomal University is among the major higher education institutions in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving thousands of students from Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding districts.
Local stakeholders warned that prolonged administrative uncertainty could affect academic planning, institutional development and the quality of education available to students. They said repeated leadership changes should not be allowed to overshadow the university’s primary responsibilities of teaching, research and academic development.
Civil society representatives pledged to continue raising their concerns through appropriate forums and pressing the authorities to introduce practical reforms aimed at improving governance, safeguarding academic standards and ensuring a stable learning environment.
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