Multan: Emerson University, one of the oldest public sector universities in South Punjab, has been plunged into controversy after its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ramzan Gujjar, tendered his resignation following the circulation of obscene videos allegedly involving him and a staff member.

The scandal erupted earlier this month when indecent video clips, purportedly featuring the Vice Chancellor, went viral on social media. The videos sparked widespread outrage among faculty, students, and civil society groups, with protests erupting on campus demanding accountability and immediate action against the top official.

Reports suggest that the videos were recorded by Ejaz Hussain, a university cook, who later released them under what he described as “pressure and threats.” According to Hussain, Dr. Gujjar had allegedly attempted to coerce him into inappropriate acts and even pressured him to “influence” his daughter in exchange for financial favors.

The controversy, however, is not entirely new. For the past two years, Dr. Gujjar had faced accusations and protests from student groups and employees over alleged misconduct and “unbecoming” behavior. The release of the videos intensified those longstanding allegations and forced the matter into the public domain.

Following the uproar, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) constituted a fact-finding committee, which visited the university earlier this week. While Dr. Gujjar submitted his resignation letter to the Governor of Punjab, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor, the HED has not yet formally accepted it. Instead, officials have indicated that the resignation will be considered only after the inquiry process is completed.

“The matter is very serious and affects the reputation of the entire higher education sector. We will ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out before any final decision is taken,” a senior HED official told reporters.

Students and faculty members expressed mixed feelings over the scandal. While some demanded immediate dismissal of the VC, others stressed the importance of due process. Civil society activists in Multan argued that the case highlighted deeper issues of governance and accountability within Pakistan’s higher education institutions.

“This is not just about one individual; it is about a system that often protects powerful figures despite repeated complaints. The government must use this opportunity to set an example,” said Advocate Sara Malik, a local rights activist.

Sources say that Dr Ramzan has been terminated multiple times from his various services on account of harassment. His appointment as DG accreditation by Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid (Ex-Rector and Chairman PHEC) at Punjab Higher Education Commission was also termed as illegal as his qualification and experience was mostly related to library sciences. It is said that his appointment was managed by his close allies and group members such as director Asif Munir, director Nauman Maqbool Rao and ex-DG Shahid Soroya, lawyer amir sohail and Deputy director Murtaza omer bashir were instrumental in terminating innocent officials including DG and Member. Further, he was not only over aged but also involved in corruption and harassment but no action has ever been taken against him. 

As of now, Dr. Gujjar remains on leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. His resignation is under review, while the university’s day-to-day affairs are being overseen by senior faculty members.

The scandal has not only shaken Emerson University but also raised questions about the moral, ethical, and administrative standards of leadership in Pakistan’s public universities. Members of civil society (on account of anonymity) have severely urged to initiate legal proceedings against such mafia. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government is willing to enforce accountability at the highest levels of academia.