Islamabad, Sep 13: In a recent audit report covering the years 2019 to 2023, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) discovered major financial irregularities and unlawful appointments at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).
There are significant disparities in the report, which focuses on the tenure of former vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Mansoor Sarwar. Based on the results, UET embezzled employee tax deductions totaling Rs166 million.
The audit notably calls attention to Dr. Muhammad Mohsin’s illegitimate appointment as the coordinator of the UET Faisalabad Campus and demands the restitution of almost Rs. 7 million. Furthermore, it was decided that Dr. Shahid Rafiq’s appointment as Dean of Natural Sciences and Humanities was illegal, leading to the recovery of Rs. 13 million.
Severe financial mismanagement is also highlighted in the report, which has made it more difficult for UET to pay salaries and pensions. It reveals that during Mr. Sarwar’s administration, staff tax deductions totaling Rs200 million were improperly taken. Regarding the non-payment of taxes, UET has received a notice from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Subsequent investigation turned up evidence of Arshi Khalid’s illegitimate appointment as an associate professor of mathematics, requiring the return of Rs 7.5 million. In addition, UET lost Rs273 million as a result of 91 stores not being put up for auction. According to the audit, UET’s operational capacities have been negatively impacted by these financial irregularities, which have caused a serious financial crisis.
