PAC Orders Recovery of $129,600 from 3 Doctors Abroad

Three physicians from Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University in Larkana failed to return to Pakistan after completing their PhDs abroad using a federal government scholarship totaling $129,600. This matter came to light during a session of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Nisar Khuhro, who examined the university's audit complaints for 2022 and 2023.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) funded the study programs for seven SMBBMU doctors in 2016. However, only four of them returned. The vice-chancellor identified the absentees as Dr. Shah Alam Solangi, who pursued his studies in China; Dr. Zafar Ali Abro, who completed his research in Germany; and Dr. Benazir Abbasi, who completed hers in either London or Ireland.

Each scholar received a monthly allowance of $1,200. The university spent a total of $43,200 per year on these three scholars, equating to $129,600 over the course of four years. Auditors raised concerns over the university's lack of action against the scholars, noting that this situation had resulted in a significant financial loss to the national treasury.

Despite filing a petition in court to recover the funds, the case remained unresolved, and the whereabouts of the doctors remained unknown. The university revealed that the scholars had pledged land as collateral and signed contracts before leaving the country. The university plans to auction the pledged land to recover the money once the court reaches a decision.

The PAC expressed serious concern over the matter and instructed the university to contact immigration authorities and the relevant embassies regarding the three scholars. Additionally, the committee mandated the university to recover the entire amount spent on their PhD scholarships.