Probe fails to substantiate allegations against faculty member

A probe committee constituted by Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT) has concluded that allegations levelled against a faculty member through anonymous social media accounts could not be substantiated, and has submitted its findings and recommendations to the university administration. According to the committee's report, the inquiry included examination of the mobile phone and laptop used by the faculty member, compilation of details of SIM cards registered in his name, and access to his email and WhatsApp records. The committee also interviewed students from all classes currently taught by the faculty member, as well as students working with him on final-year projects. The Quality Enhancement Cell assisted the committee in conducting confidential surveys to protect students' privacy. According to the report, none of the students interviewed came forward with a complaint corroborating the allegations. The faculty member was also given an opportunity to submit his position in writing. According to his statement to the committee, he has been serving as a lecturer at the university since 2016 and is among its earliest instructors. He told the committee that after becoming aware of the social media posts on Sunday, September 20, he lodged a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), bearing Complaint CMO-260921-9CD886. He also voluntarily handed over his electronic devices to the committee for forensic examination, denied the allegations and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the inquiry. The committee noted that, so far, neither the concerned department nor the Director of Student Affairs had received any formal complaint against the faculty member. Regarding screenshots circulated on social media, the report observed that their authenticity could not be established without a forensic examination of the mobile phones and other devices of all parties concerned. The committee said that, in the absence of corroborating evidence or forensic confirmation, the allegations could not currently be substantiated. It added that its findings should be considered preliminary pending the forensic analysis report from law-enforcement authorities. Among its recommendations, the committee proposed that the university formally approach the relevant law-enforcement agency, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), to identify those allegedly responsible for circulating the material and proceed against them in accordance with the law. Following the recommendations, the university administration has withdrawn the faculty member from teaching and administrative responsibilities and barred him from contact with students, according to the report. The administration has also reiterated that it would take steps to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for students.