O/A Level papers leak likely originated abroad, NA committee told

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training was briefed on Monday about the possibility that the leak of O/A level examination papers had originated from a foreign country, according to officials. During the meeting, chaired by Anjum Aqeel Khan, the committee examined the issue surrounding the leak without finding any evidence to link it to Pakistan.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) concluded that there was no proof pointing to the leak being sourced from within Pakistan, as they lack direct access to overseas servers, limiting their ability to independently trace the origin of any alleged leakage through foreign servers. The committee expressed worry over the pervasive issue of narcotics in educational institutions, noting that the increasing reports of drug use and supply to students necessitate urgent, coordinated, and effective action from relevant authorities.

They underscored the importance of establishing a robust coordination mechanism involving the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to identify drug supply sources and prevent criminal involvement around educational institutions. The committee urged for verified data on drug-related incidents in schools, including the number of cases, actions taken, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and penalties for offenders.

They emphasized that mere committee formation and policy creation are insufficient without effective implementation, constant monitoring, and visible actions against drug suppliers. The committee reaffirmed the necessity of strong institutional mechanisms, such as the Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees within higher educational institutions, to monitor and tackle drug and tobacco use among students, stressing their need for reinforcement and integration with law enforcement and regulatory bodies for prompt reporting, investigation, and action in narcotics-related cases.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the need to refine National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) programs to align with international labor market demands, given the rapidly evolving global employment landscape, particularly in the Middle East. Additionally, the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) reported that certain measures have been introduced to aid students with dyslexia during exams, such as providing extra time and assistance in reading question papers.

The committee recommended continued psychological support and access to trained remedial teachers to identify learning difficulties early and offer suitable assistance in classrooms. Finally, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) pledged to revisit all boards to standardize measures promoting support facilities for students with dyslexia nationwide.