ISLAMABAD: A subcommittee of the National Assembly will take up a probe report prepared by Cambridge University on the alleged leak of O/A Level papers at a meeting on Monday (today).

On the other hand, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has also convened a meeting of international boards on July 2 to discuss measures to avoid paper leakage in future and decide remedies in case of a breach.

The subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education will meet under the convenorship of MNA Sabheen Ghoury. Sources in the education ministry said the committee will discuss recent findings of Cambridge University.

The IBCC decided to hold a consultative meeting with foreign boards “to addressing the recent challenges related to the transparency and security of foreign examinations conducted in Pakistan, particularly incidents involving paper leakages.”

A letter from the IBCC addressed to the foreign boards for the July 2 consultative meeting, stated. “These issues have significant implications for the academic integrity of foreign qualifications and the future of thousands of students who depend on these assessments for their educational and career progression.”

IBCC convenes meeting of international boards to discuss measures to avoid paper leak in future

The issue of alleged leak of several papers of O/A exam was taken up by the main committee, which after realising its importance formed the subcommittee. In its last meeting, the subcommittee was assured by Country Director of Cambridge Assessment International Education Uzma Yousuf that findings of their investigation would be shared with the committee in the next meeting, which was going to be held on Monday.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, Cambridge after completing its investigation pointed out a partial leak of questions: “Some content from the question papers listed below was available before the timetabled exam dates in Pakistan. Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 12, where one question was shared before the exam was taken. Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 42, where parts of two questions were shared before the exam was taken. Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science Paper 22, where parts of one question were shared before the exam was taken. In all three cases, we found no evidence that the whole paper had been shared before the exam.” It stated that students will be given extra marks for those questions.

In a statement released on Thursday, Cambridge announced that it had completed the investigation into the alleged leak and that they were making sure all students “receive fair results”.

Sources in the education ministry said it was yet to be seen in Monday’s meeting whether or not the subcommittee and its members will agree with the findings and on a way forwards decided by Cambridge.

The sources said on the direction of the secretary education, the IBCC decided to hold a meeting with foreign boards mainly Cambridge – International Baccalaureate and Pearson on July 2 to address the concerns of paper leaks and future course of actions.

The IBCC through an official letter requested the boards to submit a comprehensive proposal, including the following: “Measures currently in place to ensure transparency and fairness in examinations, including quality assurance frameworks and monitoring systems; detailed protocols for securing examination materials, particularly steps taken to prevent unauthorised access or leakage of question papers; information on mechanisms for third-party validation of inquiries in the event of any irregularities along with recent or planned enhancements in examination security using modern tools and international best practices; strategies adopted to safeguard students’ academic careers in the case of a breach, including any remedial actions or compensatory assessments; and any other best practices implemented by your Board/QAB to ensure the transparency of examinations.”

The foreign boards have been asked to submit their proposals by June 30.

When contacted, Executive Director IBCC Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah confirmed that the proposals had been sought from foreign boards and a consultative meeting will be held on July 2.

“We have sent an invitation letter to all concerned foreign boards. All main international boards have their representatives in Pakistan, who will attend the meeting. If anyone joins online then too we will facilitate them,” he said and added that the IBCC wants to ensure strict system in place by foreign boards to avoid paper leak and in case of any breach, there should be set remedies for students.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025