Widespread irregularities marred matriculation exams in Sindh as the English subject paper was leaked online Monday before the start of the exam in Khairpur, Ghotki and Ubauro districts, exposing glaring failures in the administration’s anti-cheating measures.

News of the paper leaked immediately surfaced on social media. Students created WhatsApp groups in which cheating material was shared. Cheating is underway in examination centres established in higher secondary schools in Khambarah, Reti, and Kamon Shaheed. The Sindh Education Department’s latest water mark plan was also miserably failed to check the cheating.

Despite Section 144 being imposed around examination centres to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons, witnesses reported large gatherings outside the halls, indicating weak enforcement by local authorities.Raiding teams, established to curb such malpractice, were reportedly inactive and remained in their offices while cheating continued unchecked.

The failure of the district administrations to enforce examination rules has drawn sharp criticism from education activists and concerned citizens. Calls were growing for a thorough investigation into the paper leaks and a crackdown on those facilitating mass cheating in the province’s examination system.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)