A Karachi varsity chief faces scrutiny over finances, Baloch links

ISLAMABAD: A university head in Karachi is currently facing intense scrutiny. On the surface, the allegations revolve around financial irregularities and abuse of power. However, beneath this lies a far more politically sensitive issue: purported support for Baloch militancy.

This matter might have remained under wraps if not for a court case. The issue came to light after the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) issued a summons to the university, demanding audits from the past few years, records of donations, bank statements, procurement details, and information on foreign trips taken by university executives. The court has granted a temporary stay on compliance.

Sources close to the case confirm there are financial concerns—several awards have allegedly been given to firms linked to a politically exposed person (PEP), who is said to have played a key role in the head’s appointment. But what truly sparked this investigation appears to tie back to Balochistan.

The federal government has voiced growing alarm over the radicalization of Baloch youth. The university became a focus when its head was accused of facilitating gatherings of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)—led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch—on campus. He is also said to have enabled scholarships for several prominent BYC figures.

In one instance, a private bank’s funding was used to finance a Baloch student’s scholarship. On further investigation, it was revealed that this was part of a routine grants programme for deserving students—though the bank has since pledged to vet future recipients more carefully.

Although the federal government and the Punjab province annually allocate substantial funds to bring Baloch students to institutions in Islamabad, Lahore, and elsewhere in Punjab, officials are now proceeding with heightened caution. This shift follows several disturbing incidents indicating that some beneficiaries may have been involved in militant activities.Politically, the university head is believed to be close to a political party. The investigation now includes procurement contracts awarded to seven companies tied to PEPs.