- Cambridge ensures transparency in examination procedures.
- Government raises concerns over yet another reported paper leak.
- Authorities are emphasizing immediate problem-solving measures.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior on Tuesday directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged leak of Cambridge exam papers.
According to an official statement, the directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Muhammad Khurram Agha in the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control on the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
The development comes after Cambridge International Education (CIE) announced the postponement of A-level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709) following the leak of AS-level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709).
The CIE further said it would share detailed information with schools by May 22 on the approach to be adopted following the paper leak.
The meeting was attended by Federal Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, representatives of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, British Council and other relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Education Ministry Secretary briefed the participants on concerns raised by the government and parents regarding the alleged leak of Cambridge O Level Mathematics exam papers.
The British Deputy High Commissioner informed the participants that the case appeared to involve theft rather than an actual paper leak.
CAIE representatives reiterated that Cambridge maintained strict standards to ensure transparency and integrity in the conduct of investigations.
The Education Secretary also raised concerns about reports of another exam paper 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 at the earliest.
The Home Minister expressed serious concern over the alleged paper leak and stressed the need for coordinated and effective measures for early resolution of the problem.
He directed the NCCIA DG to conduct the investigation in coordination with Cambridge and emphasized on strict implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting along with timely sharing of investigation findings to maintain transparency and public confidence.
The meeting also decided that Cambridge would further strengthen its system capacity to address weaknesses and loopholes in the examination process.
In a statement issued a day earlier, the CIE confirmed their AS-level maths paper was shared prematurely in breach of its strict rules.
“We investigate such incidents promptly and thoroughly, and are now working to understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps,” the statement read.
