- Cambridge guarantees transparency in exam procedures.
- Government expresses concern over another reported paper leak.
- The authorities emphasize measures for the immediate resolution of the problem.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged leak of Cambridge exams.
According to an official statement, the directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Home Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Narcotics Control, following instructions from Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
The development comes after Cambridge International Education (CIE) announced the postponement of the A Level 32 Mathematics exam (9709) following the leak of the AS 52 Level Mathematics exam (9709).
The CIE also said it would share detailed information with schools by May 22 on the approach to be taken following the leak of the document.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Education Nadeem Mahbub, representatives of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, the British Council and other relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, the secretary of the Ministry of Education informed the participants about the concerns raised by the government and parents about the alleged leak of the Cambridge O Level Mathematics exams.
The British Deputy High Commissioner informed participants that the matter appeared to involve theft rather than an actual leak of paper.
CAIE representatives reiterated that Cambridge maintained strict standards to ensure transparency and integrity in the conduct of exams.
The Ministry of Education secretary also expressed concern over reports of another exam leak and sought Cambridge’s official position in light of anxiety among students and parents.
Cambridge representatives assured the forum that an official update on the matter would be shared as soon as possible.
The Secretary of the Interior expressed serious concern about the alleged paper leak and highlighted the need for coordinated and effective measures for a prompt resolution of the problem.
He directed the NCCIA Director General to carry out the investigation in coordination with Cambridge and emphasized strict implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting, along with timely sharing of investigation results to maintain transparency and public trust.
The meeting also decided that Cambridge would further strengthen its system’s ability to address weaknesses and gaps in the exam process.
In a statement issued a day earlier, the CIE confirmed that his AS level maths work was shared prematurely against its strict regulations.
“We investigated such incidents quickly and thoroughly, and are now working to understand the scope of the breach and determine next steps,” the statement read.
