DERA GHAZI KHAN: The office of Director General Audit, Punjab, has declared the appointment of the registrar of the Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, as illegal.

The findings emerged in the annual audit reportof the period from 2020-21 to 2023-24 of the university.

The DG`s office has also orderedtherecovery of payments (salaries etc) from Registrar Dr Abid Alvi, sources told Dawn.

The audit report pointed out discrepancies in the appointment process of the registrar.

According to the audit report , the appointment of the registrar did not conform to the guidelines set forth by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.

The report specifically cited clarifications sought from the HEC, underscoring the necessary qualifications and procedures for appointments in higher education institutions.The report further referred to an inquiry conducted by the Higher Education Department (HED), which also questioned the legality of the registrar`s appointment.

The audit report points out that the registrar was appointed in violation of the required protocols.

As a consequence of this irregularity, the DG office has ordered the recovery of all salaries and other payments made to the registrar during his tenure.

Sources say the treasury branch of the Ghazi University has also wrote an official letter to the registrar on Oct 21, 2024, for compliance of audit report`s relevant paras within three days.

This decision also highlights potential lapses in the governance of the Ghazi University, while setting a precedent of accountability in the public sector universities across Punjab. So far, no official statement has been made by the university or the registrar regarding the audit findings.Neither the registrar`s office, nor the office holder, Dr Abid Alvi, responded to the repeated phone calls and What`sApp message by this scribe.

At present, Ghazi University has no vice chancellor.