Girls Higher Secondary School Jacob Lines Examination Center in Karachi. PHOTO: JALAL QUERESHI/FILE
KARACHI:
The Provincial Department of Universities and Boards has replaced the Controller of Examinations of the Karachi Secondary Education Board just four days before the matriculation exams. Instead of appointing a qualified candidate on merit through an advertisement, Zia-ul-Haq, the outgoing controller, has been replaced by an officer of the Larkana Board.
According to a notification issued by the Secretary Universities and Boards, Ahmed Khan Chhutto has been appointed Controller of Examinations on a one-year deputation. Ahmed Khan Chhutto has previously served as Inspector of Institutions at Larkana Board and apparently lacks previous experience in conducting examinations. Despite this, he has been appointed to the Karachi Board, the province’s largest education board in terms of students.
Over 300,000 candidates appear for Class 9 and 10 exams under the Karachi Board and now the academic future of these students rests in the hands of an officer with no previous experience of conducting such large-scale exams.
Ahmed Khan Chhutto is reported to have shown interest in serving on Karachi boards in the past. A few months ago he was also appointed Controller of Examinations at the Inter Board Karachi, but he had considerable difficulty in assuming the charge and finally returned without taking up his work. This is the second time he has been appointed to this critical role in the Karachi Matric Board.
The matriculation exams in Karachi are scheduled to begin on April 7 and the process of center fixation and issue of admit cards is still missing. These important duties have now been handed over to a new officer with limited experience, raising concerns over the smooth conduct of examinations.
