ISLAMABAD: Students taking O and A-Level exams are worried that they might face difficulties getting to their examination centre, the Paradise Complex Marquee in Shakrial, along Islamabad Expressway, due to the protest by the Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah and the Sunni Tehreek.

The venue has been rendered inaccessible by the protests for students of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

“I do not know how I will take my son for his exam on Wednesday as the roads have been blocked by the protesters,” said Hamid Khan, a parent, adding that there should be a separate and accessible examination centre for students based in Islamabad.

“Even if the protest was not happening, it is not reasonable to hold exams for Islamabad-based children in a marquee in the rural part of the capital,” he said.

A statement issued by the British Council says the council is aware that the situation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad is creating problems for students.

“The British Council is committed to providing the best conditions for candidates to sit their examinations. We have therefore considered alternative exam venues for the next few days. However these venues are all affected by similar transport challenges. We can confirm that the current exam venue can still be reached by candidates from both cities,” it says and advises the candidates to allow extra time for their journey to the exam venue.

“We have informed the exam board about the situation,” the statement goes on to say, adding that in light of the ongoing situation, the British Council has ensured extra security at the venue.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2017