PESHAWAR – An audit report has revealed that the University of Peshawar illegally used 689.2mn rupees from employees’ pension, general provident (GP), and endowment funds to cover salaries and operational expenses. The irregularities occurred during the fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
According to the Auditor General’s findings, 289.7mn rupees from the pension fund and 399.5mn rupees from the GP fund were misused. These funds were originally deducted from employees’ salaries and meant to be invested in government securities and profit-bearing schemes to secure workers’ futures.
Instead, the money was diverted towards day-to-day expenses, including staff salaries and operational costs at the University of Peshawar.
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The report noted that the misuse of these funds constitutes a serious violation of university regulations, which strictly prohibit spending from pension and endowment accounts for purposes other than their intended use. The audit further warned that such practices could endanger the financial stability of the University of Peshawar and compromise the security of employees’ future entitlements.
The Auditor General also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in financial management at the University of Peshawar. Despite repeated requests, the Higher Education Department has yet to provide a formal response to the audit report.
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Employees and faculty members have expressed outrage over the revelations, demanding accountability and immediate restoration of their funds. Analysts argue that such financial mismanagement not only erodes trust in public universities like the University of Peshawar but also undermines staff morale.
The audit recommended strict action against those responsible and urged the UoP to adopt reforms to ensure funds are managed in accordance with legal and financial regulations.
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