Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar Wednesday scrapped the GCU Lahore Syndicate’s decision of slapping Rs2.1 million fine on an assistant professor for not completing his PhD within five years, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

It is learnt that the GCU Lahore Syndicate had imposed a fine of Rs2.1 million in 2015 upon Assistant Professor of Physics Dr Muhammad Imran reportedly over his failure to complete his PhD within five years.

The syndicate ordered recovery of all the expenses, which the university had afforded under the heads of surety bonds and study leave, from salaries of the assistant professor.

Dr Muhammad Imran wrote an appeal to Punjab Governor and GCU Chancellor Chaudhry Sarwar against the decision of the university syndicate following which the latter declared fine upon the assistant professor null and void. The governor also ordered the university management to refund the fine received from him.

“There is no problem if a student takes more than five years to complete his PhD,” said the governor in his decision.

“Under the University Service Rules Statue 23/2, there is no section which requires completion of PhD within five years,” he added.

The university management was also asked to submit an implementation report to Governor’s Secretariat within 120 days.

Reporter Rao Dilshad Hussain