In view of the ongoing ninth and tenth grade examinations, Karachi Matric Board Chairman Ghulam Hussain has issued directives to the examination centers regarding female students.
According to the instructions, female students appearing for the exams will not have to remove their burqa or abaya at any examination centre.
The president stated that no complaints of fraud by female candidates have been received; such measures are unnecessary.
He further warned that strict action would be taken if any examination center is found to be forcing female students to remove their burqa or abaya during examinations.
The president also ordered that no male invigilators be appointed in the examination centers designated for female students.
The annual exams for ninth and tenth grade students began across the city last Friday. Up to 385,000 students take the exams.
Authorities have promised strict monitoring. Section 144 has been imposed in the exam centers to maintain order, mobile phones are completely banned and even the nearby photocopy shops remain closed to prevent any possibility of cheating.
However, the matriculation exams have been mired in controversy, with widespread accusations of document leaks, bribery and serious administrative failures disrupting students’ ability to sit exams fairly.
