Alarmed by repeated leaks of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) examination papers in Pakistan, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture has ordered an inquiry and formed a subcommittee to investigate the matter.
The decision came during a committee meeting chaired by Dr. Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi at the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Islamabad on Friday.
Members expressed serious concern over the integrity of the CAIE examination process following reports that several A-Level papers had been accessed and circulated ahead of their scheduled dates -- an issue that has sparked widespread anxiety among students and the public.
The subcommittee, led by MNA Sabeen Ghauri and comprising members from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), and parliamentarians including Muhammad Ali Sarfraz and Zeb Jafar, has been tasked with investigating the leaks and submitting its findings within 30 days. It is expected to summon Cambridge’s country director after June 16 for a formal explanation.
During the meeting, MNA Muhammad Ali Sarfraz presented video evidence and documents indicating that A-Level papers in subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, and Physics were leaked before the exams.
He cited a specific case from May 7, where a paper was allegedly circulated at 2am -- hours before students were due to sit for it. Sarfraz further claimed the papers were being sold in U.S. dollars, suggesting the involvement of an international syndicate.
The committee emphasized the need to clarify the legal framework under which Cambridge University operates in Pakistan and demanded transparency regarding the regulatory oversight governing such examinations.
It also called on the British assessment body to disclose any past measures taken to prevent paper leaks and to demonstrate whether those measures have been effective.
In terms of accountability, the committee recommended immediate steps to safeguard affected students, including options such as reconducting compromised papers under enhanced security, adjusting grading to reflect the irregularities, and offering supplementary examinations. It also urged Cambridge to provide a binding commitment to improve security protocols and conduct a thorough investigation into the leak.
Beyond the immediate crisis, members stressed the urgency of strengthening Pakistan’s own examination boards. They recommended investment in modern assessment systems, international accreditation for local boards, and robust mechanisms to restore public trust and reduce overreliance on foreign testing systems.
Comments
See what people are discussing