KARACHI, Dec 14: The legal fraternity has expressed concern over the cancellation of the IBA aptitude test, taken by the students seeking admission to the medical colleges of the province, for the second time due to irregularities.

The president of the Sindh High Court Bar Association, Abul Inam, said the decision was illogical, adding that “following reports of irregularities the entire process has become suspect”.

“Instead of taking action against those who were responsible for the problem, the authorities concerned have sought to punish the already burdened and harassed students and their parents. It amounts to protecting those who are actually responsible for corrupt practices,” he observed.

Mr Inam questioned the practice of making IBA tests mandatory. “The whole process undermines the regular system of annual examinations and reflects badly on the integrity of the system and those who are involved in it,” he said.

He said that when the aptitude tests by the IBA were mandatory then what was the justification of having intermediate examinations.

“At a time when parents are hard pressed due to economic conditions such a decision on the eve of the announcement of result of the merit list for the second test is reprehensible. Surprisingly, from press reports it appears that the FIR was registered under instructions from the Governor House. Who is the interested party?” he wondered.

TEACHERS’ STAND: The Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association has expressed sorrow over the agony suffered by the candidates who appeared in the entrance test for admission to the public sector medical colleges in the province because of the cancellation of the result, adds APP.