160 schools in Rawalpindi issued show-cause notices, action launched against 40 others for poor results

The District Education Authority (DEA) in Rawalpindi has taken action against 160 schools for poor results and 40 schools for zero results in the 9th class exam. The exam, conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi, saw a dismal pass rate of just 37.56 per cent, with 76,015 candidates failing the test.

The DEA has issued show-cause notices to teachers and principals of the affected schools, while departmental action has been initiated against the individuals in charge of 40 schools. The district authority has also arranged training sessions for teachers to help them better prepare students for the upcoming exams. The deputy commissioner has instructed assistant commissioners to monitor the situation in the schools.

In response to the low results, both the DEA and teachers have expressed concern over the focus on extracurricular activities, such as polio and dengue campaigns, which they believe detracts from the primary duty of imparting education. Education experts have called for a comprehensive review of the Rawalpindi board examination, marking, and assessment policy, citing the 9th class success rate of 37.56 per cent as significantly lower than the provincial average of 45.17 per cent.