ISLAMABAD: Following a fresh complaint of paper leak, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Tuesday directed the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to immediately contact Cambridge authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, factual clarification and urgent measures to protect students’ interests.

Following the leak of Pure Maths 1 paper (9709) and subsequent Cambridge retake of it on June 9, fresh allegations surfaced of AS-level Mathematic paper leak held on Tuesday. Many students stated that the paper was available on social media just a day earlier.

Besides around 160 countries, Cambridge International Education (CIE), part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, conduct exams in Pakistan of O and A levels. But last year, there was also an uproar by parents and students over leakage of at least five papers.

The issue was debated by the Senate and National Assembly standing committees where several parents also recorded their statements, stating that at least five papers were leaked.

We see a deliberate attempt to undermine integrity of exams, says Cambridge country director

They said that the paper leakage was an injustice with hard working students. Subsequently, Cambridge last year acknowledged that three papers were “partially” leaked and they made adjustments for the affected students.

This year’s fresh allegations, following the Mathematics Pure Paper and AS Mathematics paper incidents, have once again prompted the education minister to take notice.

Dr Siddiqui expressed concern and regret over the alleged leakage of Cambridge examination papers.

He stated that such incidents cause severe mental stress, anxiety, and uncertainty for thousands of students and their parents, particularly for those who prepare for their examinations with hard work, dedication, and honesty.

The minister said that this is an extremely serious matter, especially as similar incidents were also reported last year. He added that Cambridge must further strengthen and secure its examination system, security protocols, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure they remain effective and tamper-proof, thereby restoring and maintaining students’ trust and confidence.

The minister reiterated that the government of Pakistan will not compromise on the educational future of students, the transparency of the examination system, and the protection of merit.

Dr Siddiqui added that all relevant institutions must fulfill their responsibilities with seriousness and accountability.

Meanwhile, sources said that the federal government had also taken cognizance of the issue and a meeting was s likely to be held at the ministry of interior on Wednesday (today), which will likely be attended by officers of education ministry, Cambridge, and the NCCIA.

“Yes, the government has taken serious notice of the paper leakage issue. A crucial meeting in this regard will likely be held at ministry of interior on Wednesday, where a roadmap will be devised,” said a source in federal government.

When contacted by Dawn, Uzma Yousuf, Country Director Cambridge University Press and Assessment, said “We investigate all allegations of leaks.”

She also shared a statement with Dawn, which stated: “We do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks. In the rare case where there is a genuine issue, we update schools at the right time and provide recommended next steps. We ask people only to trust official statements from Cambridge and not add to misinformation which is very unhelpful for students.”

It added: “We are seeing a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of examinations. To prevent and deter future activity, we are pursuing different legal routes. In Pakistan, we have reported to the NCCIA, pursuant to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 and we are about to make a further complaint to the NCCIA in respect of the dissemination of false information in respect of leaks with them. In the UK, we have reported the math paper leak and the social media platform users who we have identified as first posting the leaked papers to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). We’re also pursuing action in relation to a key social media platform to compel them to share data relating to the illegal sharing.”

“Our priority is to make sure students are not disadvantaged by the wilful malpractice of a few. We do this through certain steps such as cancellation of the leaked paper and offering a new replacement paper.

“This is also a means of discouraging students or individuals who are involved in the selling and buying of leaked papers, as the money they are investing for this theft is being wasted.

“Those who cheat or engage with fake paper sellers face serious consequences, including the withholding of results, disqualification from exams or being banned from taking exams for up to five years,” she said.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026