LAHORE, Feb 12: The Punjab University has disqualified its two researchers for teaching job in future in the varsity besides canceling one researcher’s studentship for M.Phil on charges of plagiarism.

It is learnt that the PU had received a complaint from Saeed Asad, social welfare officer in the social welfare and women development department, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, that two researchers, Shabnam Gul and Andleeb Sabra of the Department of Kashmir Studies, University Oriental College, had allegedly plagiarised from his MA in Kashmiryat thesis titled, “K. H. Khursheed, life and services” and from his research paper “Political parties of Kashmir” in their joint plagiarised book titled: “Tarikh-i-Kashmir-1947 to date” published by Farooq Sons, Lahore, in 2006.

Punjab University’s Faculty of Oriental Learning dean Prof Dr Muhammad Akram Chaudhry investigated the matter and recommended strict action against the plagiarists.

Consequently, the PU administration immediately disqualified both the researchers for any teaching job in future in the Punjab University. It also canceled the studentship of Shabnam Gul for M.Phil in Kashmiryat with immediate effect.

The university also issued a warning to Ms Nusrat Nisar for writing a preface on the plagiarised book.

Meanwhile, talking to Dawn, PU registrar Prof Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan said the PU was coming hard on plagiarism and taking stern action after completing all legal formalities.

Answering a question, he said he had sent a reminder to Prof Dr Dil Muhammad Malik, head of the committee, inquiring into the case of plagiarism committed by five faculty members of the Centre for High Energy Physics and talked to him on phone. He said Prof Malik had assured that the committee would submit its inquiry report and recommendations within 10 days or so.

With regard to the alleged plagiarism case surfaced in the psychology department, Prof Khan said faculty of life sciences dean Prof Dr Shahida Husnain was holding initial investigation into the alleged plagiarism case.

Based on the initial investigation, he said the VC would constitute a regular inquiry committee.—Staff Reporter