The Sindh government has placed Professor Azhar Shah, pro-vice chancellor of the University of Sindh’s Dadu campus, under suspension following the circulation of videos on social media allegedly showing him intoxicated, using inappropriate language, and creating a disturbance on campus.

An official notification issued by the Universities and Boards Department on February 10 directed the vice chancellor of the University of Sindh to suspend Prof Azhar Shah immediately and initiate a formal inquiry in accordance with the Sindh University Act and relevant service regulations. The inquiry is required to be completed within 15 days, with findings submitted to the provincial minister for universities and boards for further action.

Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, confirmed the suspension, emphasising that the government acted to uphold institutional discipline and protect the credibility of public sector universities. The videos, widely shared online, reportedly depict Prof Shah under the influence of alcohol during working hours, prompting criticism and calls for administrative intervention.

Following the suspension, Prof Shah has been relieved of his additional responsibilities as Focal Person of the Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Sindh University Campus in Dadu. Professor Dr Anila Naz Soomro, currently serving as Focal Person at the Khan Bahadur Allahando Shah Sindh University Campus in Naushehro Feroze, has been assigned to oversee the Dadu campus on an interim basis until further notice.

The notification also directed the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. The committee is expected to submit its report within three days, which will guide subsequent administrative or disciplinary action. Upon completion of the inquiry, the case will be presented to the university’s syndicate, its highest decision-making authority, for review and approval.

No formal statement has been issued by Azhar Prof Shah or the University of Sindh regarding the allegations. Provincial regulations clarify that suspension is a temporary administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Any further disciplinary action will follow the inquiry and approval of the competent authority.

© Naya Daur