A recent investigation into the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) matriculation exams has exposed significant irregularities, notably the relocation of more than 170 examination centres. These findings come amid widespread concerns about cheating, paper leaks, and administrative failures that disrupted the fairness of the exams.
The Karachi matric board exams faced serious controversy, with allegations ranging from bribery to systemic mismanagement. During the exam period, students who had taken multiple papers at a single centre were later notified through official letters that their exam centres had been changed, causing confusion and distress.
One of the most alarming revelations involved the security breach of the Computer Science paper, which, along with its answers, was reportedly circulating on social media at least 20 minutes before the exam commenced. This raised serious questions about the extent and impact of the leak.
Security issues were also reported, including incidents where students allegedly brought daggers into exam centres. Furthermore, the basic facilities at many centres were inadequate, with broken fans, frequent power outages, and poor overall arrangements. Some students were assigned centres located far from their schools, while allegations surfaced about the creation of “home centres” within schools, violating established rules.
In response to these issues, a probe committee was formed under the direction of Sindh Boards Minister Ismail Rahu. The committee has completed its inquiry and submitted a detailed report to the Minister for Boards and Universities. The report confirms the shifting of over 170 examination centres during the matric exams and recommends strict disciplinary action against officials responsible for the mismanagement.
Specifically, the report calls for the immediate suspension of BSEK Chairman Ghulam Hussain Sohoo and Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan Chutto. It accuses Sohoo of collaborating with various individuals to orchestrate the centre changes. The report also urges the initiation of criminal proceedings against both officials through the Anti-Corruption Establishment and suggests action against other board officers involved.
Additionally, disciplinary measures against BSEK Secretary Naveed Gujar are recommended, along with swift punishment for Deputy Controller Imran Butt, who is currently under a show-cause notice. The report identifies agents Manzoor Solangi, Imran Butt, Raja Fayyaz, and Miraj Ali as facilitators of the centre changes, and alleges that Headmasters Muhammad Ali, Ayub Shani, and Aamir Murtaza acted through the chairman and controller to alter exam centres.
Minister Ismail Rahu stated that decisions will be made based on the inquiry committee’s findings and emphasized that no external pressure or recommendations will influence the outcome of this matter.
