Three SMBBMU doctors fail to return to Pakistan after HEC PhD studies

What happened

During a review of audit observations for 2022 and 2023 by the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), it was revealed that three doctors from Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana, failed to return to Pakistan after completing overseas PhD programs [1, 2]. These doctors were part of a group of seven selected in 2016 under the federal Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) PSDP scholarship project [1, 2].

The scholarship program provided funding for four-year PhD studies [2]. According to reports presented to the PAC, each of the three doctors received a monthly payment of $1,200, resulting in a monthly expenditure of $3,600 and an annual cost of $43,200 [2]. The total amount spent on these three individuals over the four-year period was $129,600 [2].

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nusrat Shah stated that the university has filed a court petition to recover the scholarship funds, but the legal proceedings are currently pending and the whereabouts of the doctors are unknown [1, 2]. Before leaving for their studies, the doctors had signed agreements and submitted land documents as surety [1, 2]. The university plans to initiate proceedings to auction the pledged land to recover the money once the court reaches a decision [1, 2].

Audit officials questioned why no action had been taken against the doctors and expressed concerns regarding the loss of public funds [1]. In response, the PAC, chaired by Nisar Khuhro, directed the university to take the following steps:

• Contact immigration authorities regarding the doctors [2].
• Contact the relevant embassies [2].
• Ensure the recovery of the full amount spent on the doctors’ studies [1, 2].

Who is affected

• Three doctors from SMBBMU, Larkana: Dr. Shah Alam Solangi (who studied in China), Dr. Zafar Ali Abro (who studied in Germany), and Dr. Benazir Abbasi (whose destination was listed as London/Ireland) [1, 2].
• Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana [1].
• The federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the PSDP scholarship project [1, 2].