Pakistan Seeks Recovery of $129,600 After Three HEC-Funded PhD Scholars Fail to Return

Pakistan's higher education sector has come under scrutiny after three doctors who completed their PhD studies abroad through government-funded scholarships reportedly failed to return to the country.

The case has raised concerns over the use of public funds, accountability, and the enforcement of Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship agreements.

The issue emerged during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where officials reviewed audit observations concerning Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana, for 2022 and 2023.

Three Doctors Failed to Return After Overseas PhD Studies

According to university officials, seven doctors were selected in 2016 for overseas doctoral studies under an HEC scholarship project funded through the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

However, three of these scholars reportedly did not return to Pakistan after completing their PhD degrees.

SMBBMU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nusrat Shah identified the doctors as Dr. Shah Alam Solangi, who pursued studies in China; Dr. Zafar Ali Abro, who studied in Germany; and Dr. Benazir Abbasi, whose study destination was reported as London/Ireland.

Their failure to return has prompted questions about compliance with scholarship agreements and the university's efforts to recover government funding.

HEC Scholarship Funds Worth $129,600 Under Scrutiny

The three doctors reportedly received monthly stipends of $1,200 each during their overseas studies.

The combined monthly expenditure was $3,600, equivalent to $43,200 annually. The reported amount under recovery consideration stands at $129,600.

During the PAC meeting, audit officials expressed concern over the university's handling of the matter and questioned why stronger measures had not been taken against the scholars.

The committee highlighted the financial implications of scholarship recipients failing to fulfil their contractual commitments after receiving government support.

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Public Accounts Committee Orders Recovery of Funds

The Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Nisar Khuhro, directed university authorities to take appropriate steps to recover the scholarship expenditure.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nusrat Shah informed the committee that the university had already filed a court petition seeking recovery of the funds. However, legal proceedings remained pending, and the university reportedly had no confirmed information about the doctors' current whereabouts.

University officials also explained that the scholars had signed agreements and submitted land documents as financial security before proceeding abroad.

The university intends to pursue recovery through the pledged properties, subject to the court's decision.

Additionally, the PAC instructed SMBBMU to coordinate with immigration authorities and relevant foreign embassies to obtain information about the doctors and facilitate recovery efforts.

Questions Raised Over HEC Scholarship Accountability

The incident has renewed attention on the responsibilities associated with government-funded overseas education programmes.

HEC scholarships are designed to help Pakistani students and professionals acquire advanced qualifications from international universities while strengthening the country's academic and research capabilities.

Many such scholarship programmes require recipients to return to Pakistan and fulfil specified service obligations after completing their studies.

Failure to meet these commitments can result in financial recovery proceedings under the terms of the relevant agreement.

The SMBBMU case highlights the importance of effective monitoring, clear contractual conditions, and timely action when scholarship recipients do not meet their obligations.

What Happens Next?

The recovery process will depend on the pending court proceedings and further action by university authorities.

Meanwhile, the PAC has called for stronger efforts to trace the scholars and recover the reported expenditure.

The case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in Pakistan's overseas scholarship programmes to ensure that public investment in higher education delivers its intended national benefits.