The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education has directed authorities to accelerate the investigation into the alleged Cambridge examination paper leak, warning that delays are creating uncertainty for affected students and disrupting the examination process.
The matter was discussed during a committee meeting chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, where lawmakers also reviewed measures to control plagiarism in educational institutions and reports regarding the collection of donations from students in government schools.
During the meeting, students affected by the alleged Cambridge paper leak appeared before the committee and shared their concerns. They informed members that the National Crisis and Crime Investigation (NCCI) was conducting a detailed inquiry into the matter and that they remained in contact with investigators.
After hearing the briefing, the committee directed the NCCI to complete the investigation at the earliest, stating that prolonged delays were wasting students’ time and increasing uncertainty over the examination process.
Officials from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) informed the committee that investigators were reviewing 17 examination components as part of the probe. However, they said that none of the reviewed components had so far officially confirmed that a paper leak had taken place.
The committee also received a briefing from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on efforts to strengthen anti-plagiarism measures in Pakistan’s education sector. HEC officials said consultations with educational boards would be completed within three months, after which a comprehensive implementation strategy would be prepared.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt stressed that plagiarism has serious consequences for students and the education system, emphasizing the need for effective measures to prevent academic misconduct.
Separately, the committee discussed reports that some government schools were collecting donations from students for repair and maintenance purposes.
The chairperson noted that while the Punjab Education Regulatory Authority (PERA) had allowed fundraising in certain situations, collecting cash directly from students in public schools raised concerns.
The committee decided to seek clarification from the relevant ministry and summon teachers from the schools involved during its next meeting.
The committee reiterated that timely investigations and stronger regulatory measures are necessary to protect students’ interests and improve transparency in Pakistan’s education system.
