SIALKOT: Academic future of hundreds of students is in the doldrums due to confusion over the status of a private university here, calledIslamicUniversityofPakistan, Sialkot.

The university continues to operate despite being declared fake by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This surprised local educational, social, religious and political circles, and leaves a question mark on the performance of the HEC, National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency.

This `university` came to light after the publication of an advertisement in national dailies by the HEC declaring the university fake. In the advertisement, the commission stated the `Islamic University of Pakistan, Sialkot` was not allowed to impart formal education through any mode at any level and it was notrecognised by the commission. It advised parents and students not to seek admission neither at its principal seat nor any of its campuses/affiliated colleges. Degrees of students taking admission to the university would not be recognised by the HEC.

Requesting anonymity, an official of the Sialkot education department said dozens of colleges across the country were affiliated with this university, which had been issuing certificates and degrees of matriculation, intermediate, BA, BEd, MA, MEd, LLB, MPhil and Uloom-iShargiafor severalyears.

The official said inquiries against the university and its owner had been pending at NAB and FIA offices.

Students and parents this correspondent talked to expressed concern over confusion regarding the university`s status. They urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the HEC chairman, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and intelligenceagencies to probe into the matter to save them from what they called clutches of this university`s management.

The so-called university`s vice chancellor Javaid Cheema was not available for comment despite repeated attempts. However, Azmatullah Cheema, who claims to be personal assistant to Cheema, said the HEC had nothing to do with the university and its warning had no significance for them. He said the varsity enjoyed status of a fullfledged national university as it was directlyaffiliatedwiththeUniversity Grants Commission (UGC) and Tanzeemul Madaris.

He was however ignorant that the UGC had been abolished and replaced with the HEC. He also announced to move court against the HEC.

Tanzeemul Madaris officials said they would get back on the issue, which they never did despite being contacted repeatedly.