ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary panel has taken note of recent reports of the leakage of Advanced Level examination papers conducted by Cambridge University in Pakistan, which have raised serious concerns among students and public in general.
“This incident has raised questions on the integrity of the examination process of Cambridge University in Pakistan,” the parliamentary panel remarked.
The meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Dr Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi at Project Coordination Unit (PCU), Islamabad.
The committee urged the Cambridge University and relevant authorities to address these critical concerns promptly. In addition, a sub-committee has been formed to discuss the matter and draw recommendations and submit report in 30 days. The sub-committee will discuss to clarify under whose authority and legal framework Cambridge University operates in Pakistan.
The committee demanded for transparency regarding the regulatory oversight governing these examinations to ensure accountability. Additionally, Cambridge University must disclose what remedial measures it has taken in the past to address similar leaks and whether those measures were effective in preventing future breaches.
Most urgently, steps must be taken to protect affected students from bearing the consequences of this negligence. Possible solutions include re-conducting compromised papers under enhanced security, adjusting grading methodologies to account for the irregularity, and offering supplementary examination opportunities. Cambridge University must also provide a clear and binding commitment to strengthen examination security, investigate the leak thoroughly, and implement stringent measures to prevent recurrence.
This incident highlights the need to strengthen Pakistan’s own examination boards. The government and educational authorities should invest in modernizing assessment systems, pursue international accreditation for local boards, and establish robust mechanisms to restore public trust and reduce dependency on foreign examination systems.
The committee, unanimously, passed, “The Right to free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill aims to enhance the educational experience by providing students not only access to free education but also the free necessary tools and skills for digital literacy, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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