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ISLAMABAD: The government has ordered a probe into the alleged leakage of Cambridge examination papers, directing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to investigate in coordination with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by interior secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha on Thursday and held on the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
The meeting was attended by Federal Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, representatives of Cambridge Assessment International Education, DG NCCIA Syed Khurram Ali, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Council, and other stakeholders.
Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub briefed the meeting on concerns raised by the government and parents over the alleged leak of the O-Level Mathematics paper.
The British Deputy High Commissioner told participants that the matter appeared to involve theft rather than an actual paper leak. CAIE representatives reiterated that Cambridge maintained strict standards to ensure transparency and integrity in examinations.
Mr Mahbub also raised concerns over reports of another paper being leaked and sought the Cambridge’s official position in view of the anxiety among students and parents. CAIE representatives assured the forum that an official update would be shared at the earliest.
Interior Secretary Khurram Agha expressed serious concern over the alleged leaks and stressed the need for coordinated measures for early resolution. He directed the NCCIA DG to conduct a thorough investigation in coordination with Cambridge and emphasised strict implementation of the decisions taken, along with timely sharing of findings to maintain public confidence.
It was also decided that Cambridge would further strengthen its system capacity to address weaknesses and loopholes in the examination process. Thousands of students in Pakistan sit for Cambridge O-Level and A-Level exams each year through the British Council and private schools. The May/June 2026 session is currently underway.
Earlier, CAIE said in a statement it would report the matter to the NCCIA, pursuant to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and make a further complaint in respect of the dissemination of false information.
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.”
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026
