By Zohaib Shah ⏐ 2 months ago ⏐ Newspaper Icon Newspaper Icon 2 min read
O and A-Level Programs

The Sindh government has started formal talks with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to introduce O/A-Level programs in public schools across the province. The move marks a significant step toward aligning public education with international standards.

On Thursday, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah met a CAIE team led by Uzma Yousuf, the organization’s Country Director for Pakistan. School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

During the discussions, both sides explored ways to improve Sindh’s education system through updated curricula, stronger teacher training, early learning initiatives, and modern assessment methods. As a result, they agreed to form a joint working group that will design actionable strategies and draft long-term recommendations.

Minister Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for students in public schools. He announced that at least one school in every district will begin offering O/A-Level subjects. To remove barriers, he also confirmed that registration and examination fees will be subsidized.

“No child should be held back due to financial constraints. We want equal opportunities for all,” Shah said.

Meanwhile, CAIE’s Country Director Uzma Yousuf highlighted that effective teacher training and early reforms are essential for success. She noted that O-Level preparation must start from the foundational stage and promised CAIE’s full support for reforms, capacity building, and advisory services. She also described teacher development as a sustainable long-term priority.

Through this collaboration, Sindh hopes to raise education standards, expand access to international qualifications, and create new pathways for students to succeed in a global environment.