(Web Desk) — The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is facing accusations of mismanagement and ineffective policy implementation regarding its scholarship schemes.

Allegations suggest that over Rs1.55 billion (approximately $7 million) were misappropriated under these programs.

Reports indicate that around 97 students who were sent abroad on these scholarships have failed to return to Pakistan. These students were placed in various countries, including Europe, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia.

The breakdown of the expenditures reveals that Rs8.3 million (about $38,000) were allocated for European scholarships, Rs7.49 million (around $34,000) for US scholarships, and over Rs17 million (approximately $77,000) for UK scholarships. Additionally, Rs0.77 million (around $3,500) were spent on travel expenses for 70 students.

Moreover, among those who have gone missing are 19 students from the one-year master’s degree “Hardship Fee” scholarship program, 5 PhD scholars, and 3 Fulbright scholars.