Court Directs University of Peshawar to Pay Pending Scholarships to Students

PHC bench rules financial constraints not an excuse to withhold student funds, university must disburse all pending amounts immediately.

In a legal victory for financially struggling students, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a binding order directing the University of Peshawar to immediately release all pending scholarship funds to eligible students. The ruling specifically applies to beneficiaries of the Need-Based Scholarship Program (NBSP) , a federal initiative designed to support underprivileged learners in public sector universities.

PHC Bench Issues Clear Directions

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Mohammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Wiqar Ahmad , delivered the judgment while hearing two identical petitions filed by multiple students, including petitioner Gohar Ali. The students had approached the court over the non-payment of scholarships, stipends, and fee exemptions by the university administration.

The court’s detailed seven-page judgment left no room for ambiguity. It explicitly stated that the university could no longer retain or delay the funds under any pretext.

“The University of Peshawar is further directed to immediately disburse all amounts already received, or to be received, from the Higher Education Commission to the entitled students. Such amounts shall not be retained by the University any longer,” the order read.

Students’ Eligibility Never in Doubt

The High Court observed that the eligibility of the concerned students for the scholarship had never been disputed by any party. The NBSP, the court noted, was created with a clear social objective: to support financially deserving students pursuing higher education in public sector institutions.

The judgment emphasized that financial difficulties on the part of the university could not be used as a legitimate excuse to deny students their rightful monetary benefits. The court stressed that the scholarship program deserves priority because it plays a critical role in helping underprivileged students complete their education and improve their future socioeconomic prospects.

Petitioners’ Arguments and Allegations

During the court hearings, lawyers representing the students argued that their clients had been properly enrolled at the University of Peshawar and had been formally selected for the HEC-funded scholarship after completing all prescribed procedures.

According to the petitioners’ counsel, once selected, students become entitled to a full tuition fee exemption and monthly stipends for the entire duration of their academic programs under HEC policy. Some students had even received initial installment payments before the university abruptly stopped further disbursements.

The counsel further alleged that the university withheld payments on the pretext of financial constraints and, more seriously, the diversion of funds for other purposes. They argued that lists of successful candidates had already been approved by HEC, and funds had been released to the university, yet the administration failed to pass the money on to the students.

HEC’s Stance and Fund Details

In its written response submitted to the court, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) clarified that it had already transferred the required funds to the relevant financial quarters of the university and had formally informed the institution accordingly.

The commission detailed that under the NBSP, selected students are entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs. 6,000 in addition to full tuition fee coverage. Students enrolled in five-year academic programs receive funding for the entire duration of their studies. HEC maintained that since the money had already been transferred to the university, any further delay or non-payment fell squarely within the domain of the University of Peshawar’s administration.

Court’s Final Directive

The bench directed HEC to arrange and release any remaining funds to the university in line with the scholarship program. However, the core order remains focused on immediate action: the University of Peshawar must disburse all money already received or to be received without any further retention.

Legal experts believe this ruling sets a strong precedent for other public sector universities across Pakistan, warning that scholarship funds designated for needy students cannot be redirected or delayed due to institutional financial mismanagement. For the students of Peshawar University who have been waiting months for their stipends and fee exemptions, the court’s order brings long-awaited relief.