Deputy Finance Director Arrested; Vice Chancellor Steps Aside Amid FIA Investigation
NAWABSHAH: A major financial scandal has come to light at the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science, and Technology (QUEST), where Rs793 million meant for educational development projects has reportedly been misappropriated.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a probe following a formal complaint by a university employee and arrested the institution’s deputy director of finance, Qamaruddin Sheikh, during a raid on campus. Key financial records were also seized as part of the operation.
FIA Deputy Director Afroz Kalhoro, who led Friday’s raid, confirmed Sheikh’s arrest and said efforts were underway to apprehend other individuals implicated in the case.
The complaint, filed by university staffer Shahnawaz Chandio, alleges that senior members of the university’s administration embezzled funds released by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for upgrading academic departments, including software engineering and environmental sciences.
While HEC allocated Rs793 million for the projects, FIA sources claim the funds were diverted elsewhere.
Sheikh was presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded in FIA custody for four days for further questioning.
Investigators uncovered procurement documents showing the purchase of 52 air conditioners, 200 computers, and 39 printers under HEC-funded initiatives. However, FIA officials reported serious irregularities in the procurement process, pointing to large-scale corruption.
The FIR also names several senior officials: Nadeem Soomro (Deputy Director, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology), Prof. Pradeep Kumar (Chairman, Software Engineering Department), Prof. Adnan Arain (Chairman, Telecommunication Department), and Prof. Abdul Nasir Laghari (Environmental Sciences Department). Two private contractors, Israr and Syed Mansoor Shah, are also accused of involvement.
Following the launch of the FIA inquiry, QUEST Vice Chancellor Dr. Saleem Raza Samoon went on leave from July 14 to 17 and has not returned to duty. In his absence, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Zahid Abro has taken over as acting head of the university.
Attempts to reach Dr. Samoon for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. Meanwhile, FIA officials said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely as additional evidence emerges.
