PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party (ANP) has expressed concern over alleged merit violations in public sector universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the reported delay in completing investigations into the matter.
ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa General Secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai alleged that corruption, favouritism, and lack of transparency had affected governance in the province, particularly in higher education institutions. He called for the immediate release of investigation reports into alleged irregularities in nine public universities.
Yousafzai stated that fact-finding committees were appointed on February 22, 2026, to inquire into the alleged violation of merit in the universities, including the University of Haripur, who were supposed to file their reports in 10 days’ time. He, however, said that after more than five months, no complete findings and information about any kind of action taken against the perpetrators had been released.
Yousafzai questioned why candidates with higher merit scores were allegedly overlooked in favour of lower-ranked applicants and demanded transparency regarding allegations that interview marks were used to alter merit lists.
“The government should come forward with the facts of the case in front of the people,” Yousafzai said.
However, he also lashed out at a short notice released on July 16, which did not answer some important questions related to investigations and the selection procedure.
The ANP leader insisted that the full reports of all nine investigative committees should be made available, allegations of manipulation in merit lists should be investigated transparently, and necessary action should be taken against the administration involved in violations.
He maintained that the party would resist any move that would violate the rights of youth.
