The annual matriculation examinations have officially commenced across Punjab today, with more than 250,000 candidates taking part.
On the first day of the examination, students are appearing for papers in Arabic, Geography and Pakistan Studies.
A total of 880 examination centres have been set up for the comfortable conduct of the exams. Out of these 26 centres are being checked through CCTV to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities.
According to officials, Section 144 was imposed at all the examination centres, and entry of people who were not directly related to the examination was strictly prohibited. Candidates are being allowed access to examination halls only after their identities are checked.
As per the schedule, the final paper of the matric examination, Punjabi and Islamic History, would be conducted on April 16, while the examinations for 9th grade are scheduled to start from April 17.
The administration stated that stringent measures have been taken to prevent cheating and ensure that an open examination system exists in order to provide a fair environment for students.
Sindh govt takes major step to ensure free education in schools
In a separate development, the Sindh government recently took an important and tough decision for private schools across the province, making them obliged to provide free education to at least ten per cent of their total enrolled students.
According to the details, it has been clarified in this regard that the registration of private schools that do not implement this order will be cancelled.
After this decision of the government, the registration of several private schools in the province has been threatened.
According to the details, the directives are expected to make sure that the underprivileged and poor children have access to quality education.
Schools are required to make arrangements to fulfil their legal obligation and strictly implement the rule, according to the reports.
