The Cambridge exam papers leak did not originate from Pakistan, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has concluded after investigating the matter, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training.
The 26th meeting of the Committee, held on Monday under the acting chairmanship of MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, was told that the NCCIA lacks direct access to servers located abroad, restricting its ability to independently trace the source, location, and method of any leakage occurring through foreign servers.
The Committee also raised serious concerns over the spread of narcotics in educational institutions, describing the rise in drug use and supply among students as an issue demanding immediate, coordinated, and result-oriented action.
Members called for stronger coordination among the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to trace drug supply sources and curb the involvement of criminal elements in and around educational institutions.
Members noted that maintaining a safe, secure, and drug-free learning environment requires a joint response from educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies, and regulatory authorities, backed by clearly defined responsibilities, effective monitoring, and strict enforcement.
The Committee directed authorities to submit comprehensive, verified data on reported drug-related cases in educational institutions, covering the number and nature of cases, actions taken, the inter-agency coordination mechanism in place, and penalties awarded to those found responsible.
The Committee observed that forming committees and drafting policies alone would not resolve the issue unless backed by effective implementation, regular monitoring, and visible action against those supplying narcotics to students. It was informed that Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees have already been set up in higher education institutions to monitor and address drug and tobacco use among students.
Separately, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) told the Committee that several measures have been introduced for students with dyslexia during examinations, following recommendations from the Sub-Committee on Dyslexia.
These include additional time and assistance in reading question papers for students who require such support. A Committee member added that the Punjab Assembly has already passed legislation on dyslexia, underlining the need for a uniform, nationwide approach to addressing the educational needs of children with dyslexia.
