LAHORE – The NA Standing Committee on Education has expressed its lack of confidence in the Cambridge examination system and has thus decided to independently investigate the alleged leak of papers during the recent CAIE in Pakistan.
Video evidence was presented to the NA Standing committee by students to an MNA from Faisalabad, Muhammad Ali Sarfraz. The evidence allegedly confirms the leak of papers from the May 2025 O and A Level exam series. The alleged malpractice may have benefited a small group of students, but Cambridge’s response of cancelling or relying on average-based grading affects a greater number of students who are penalised without having any involvement.
The MNA emphasised that Cambridge reconsider their response by re-administering the affected papers or adjusting the grade thresholds to ensure transparency.
The committee also questioned Cambridge’s ability to oversee these matters and ensure transparency for CAIE in Pakistan. The Ministry of Federal Education clarified that the Ministry does not hold jurisdiction to regulate Cambridge Assessments. The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) is reponsible for that matter.
However, IBCC denied receiving any such responsibility. The IBCC Executive Director, Dr Ghulam Ali Malah, said that no responsibility to oversee the examinations formally was assigned. Furthermore, he revealed that authorisation had been granted without IBCC being consulted to conduct Cambridge exams in addition to the British Council.
Dr Malah referred to a similar paper leak incident last year. However, Cambridge was unable to provide the results of its investigation with the IBCC. The Paper was cancelled by Cambridge. IBCC learned of the development through legal notices.
IBCC formed a subcommittee to independently investigate the leaks. The subcommittee comprised of Dr Aleem, Zaib Jaffar, Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, and Dr Ghulam Ali Malah was tasked with reviewing the circumstances of the exam breaches and, if required, engage with Cambridge representatives abroad due to limited number of local officals which includes Cambridge’s Pakistan representative Uzma Yousaf.
The investigation is set to begin after June 16, following a request from Yousaf. During the meeting, she tried to divert attention by criticizing the performance of Pakistani education boards, suggesting that many students choose Cambridge due to their shortcomings. However, her comments were quickly turned down, stating that not all Pakistani boards perform poorly and that she should concentrate on addressing the issues within the Cambridge system rather than pointing fingers at other Educational systems.
The committee reiterated its dedication to fairness and transparency in academic evaluations, emphasizing the need to protect students from administrative errors.
