SAHIWAL: The Syndicate of the University of Sahiwal (UoS) has imposed major penalties on Dr. Shafiq Hussain, Chairperson of the Computer Science Department, following a high-profile inquiry into financial embezzlement and workplace harassment. The senior faculty member has been dismissed from service and ordered to repay Rs17 million.
The Investigation and Findings
The decision came during the Syndicate’s 15th meeting held on October 6, 2025, following the conclusion of two separate inquiries. Dr. Hussain was found guilty of serious misconduct under the PEEDA Act, 2006.
The investigation established a massive financial scam involving the procurement of library books. According to the inquiry report, books worth Rs17 million were officially entered into the university’s stock and delivery records but were never actually added to the library. Instead, they were returned to the vendor after the paperwork was completed.
Furthermore, charges of workplace harassment dating back to 2023 were proven against him.
Major Penalties Imposed
Under various sections of the PEEDA Act, the Syndicate approved the following punishments:
Dismissal from Service: Effective immediately under Section 4(b) VI.
Financial Recovery: Dr. Hussain is ordered to pay back Rs17 million plus applicable markup and interest. This will be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
Demotion: For the harassment charges, he was demoted from Associate Professor (Grade 20) to Assistant Professor (Grade 19) for a five-year period.
Administrative Ban: He was barred from holding any administrative position within the university to prevent further abuse of authority.
Pay Suspension: He will not be entitled to any pay or allowances beyond March 3, 2026.
Procedural History
The allegations surfaced in 2023 while Dr. Hussain was serving as Project Director. Despite being suspended, he was briefly reinstated as chairperson on July 29, 2024, following an appeal to the Governor of Punjab/Chancellor, Sardar Saleem Hyder Khan.
However, the inquiry remained active. In late January 2026, the Governor directed the university to conclude the probe within 15 days.
Failure to Defend: Dr. Hussain was granted a final opportunity for a personal hearing during the 16th Syndicate meeting on February 10, 2026. However, he failed to attend the hearing or provide a lawful justification for his absence, leading the Syndicate to finalize the penalties based on the evidence at hand.
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