Rana Sikandar Hayat has constituted multiple squads to crack down on the cheating mafia ahead of the Class 9 Mathematics exam scheduled for Monday, according to media reports.
The minister issued a stern warning to those involved in exam malpractice, urging them to stay away from examination centres or face strict action. Sources said he has deployed 10 covert teams to South Punjab for surprise monitoring during the exam.
Areas including Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalnagar have already been covered by these secret squads. The minister also indicated that he may carry out unannounced visits to any district.
Rana Sikandar Hayat reiterated his warning to the cheating mafia while advising students to remain focused and not be influenced by any external pressure. He emphasised that protecting the rights of students is a top priority and vowed that no one would be allowed to jeopardise their future.
He added that anyone found involved in cheating including students would have to bear the consequences. Ensuring transparency in examinations, he said remains the government’s foremost objective and no negligence will be tolerated.
Lifetime ban likely for students found cheating
In a separate development, it was decided by the Sindh government that strict action will be taken against the examination staff and the students who are involved in cheating.
In Karachi the ongoing matriculation exams have been marred with allegations of widespread cheating, bribery and paper leaks. It has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination system.
Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Sindh Education Minister and Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahu said in a joint statement that a zero-tolerance policy will be followed against cheating in board exams.
It was stated by them that any student who is found cheating will have to face severe consequences.
The students found cheating will be expelled immediately from the examination halls and their results will be cancelled.
They will also be barred from appearing in any current or future board examinations.
The ministers further gave a warning that any student who is found with cheating material or a phone will be disqualified from the exams on the spot.
Strict action will also be taken against the administration staff who are involved in cheating. Any internal or external examiner or administrative official found to facilitate the process of cheating will face action by the department and could be dismissed from the service.
It has also been decided by the government that the monitoring systems at the examination centres will be strengthened.
Warning that any malpractice or interference will be dealt with firmly.
Authorities had earlier registered a case against the examination centre in-charge, Muhammad Hanif. He was allegedly charging students Rs5000 to help them cheat in exams in Karachi.
The officials have stated that this incident occurred at Grace Academy of Learning Secondary school in Quaidabad. In the school an organised cheating network was operating.
They were taking bribes from parents and students to allow them to cheat.
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