KARACHI: A probe into the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) examinations has uncovered widespread irregularities, including the shifting of more than 170 examination centres, sources said on Tuesday.
The recently concluded matric exams were marred by allegations of paper leaks, cheating, bribery and administrative failures, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process. During the exams, several students who had appeared at one centre for initial papers were later informed through official notices that their centres had been changed.
The inquiry report also highlighted serious lapses in paper security. In one instance, a Computer Science paper along with its answers was reportedly circulating on social media at least 20 minutes before the exam began.
Security concerns were also flagged, with reports of students allegedly bringing weapons into examination centres. Additionally, facilities at several centres were described as inadequate, with issues such as broken fans, load shedding and poor arrangements affecting students. In some cases, students were assigned centres far from their schools, while allegations also surfaced of “home centres” being set up in violation of rules.
The probe committee, formed on the directives of Sindh Boards Minister Ismail Rahu, has submitted its report to the Minister for Boards and Universities. It confirms that over 170 centres were changed during the examinations and recommends strict action against those responsible.
The report calls for the immediate suspension of BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Sohoo and Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan Chutto, and recommends initiating criminal proceedings against them through the Anti-Corruption Establishment. It also suggests disciplinary action against other officials, including BSEK Secretary Naveed Gujar and Deputy Controller Imran Butt.
Several individuals, including agents and school officials, have been named in the report for allegedly facilitating the changes in examination centres.
Minister Ismail Rahu said that a final decision would be taken in light of the findings, adding that no pressure or recommendations would be entertained in the matter.