THIS refers to the recent FSC/FA part-I results published by the BISE, Gujranwala. Several anomalies were found in the results. Students who were present in the examinations were shown absent.

Marks of subjects were haphazardly categorised. For instance, practical marks were included with economics paper which doesn’t have any practical examination. Some other mistakes were also observed.

The publication of the results disappointed the hard working youth of Pakistan. Gujranwala is a large division of Punjab and with the messed-up results, students from six districts — Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin and Narowal — were affected. The publication of the results triggered student protests in several cities of the province, especially Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, Multan and Bahawalpur. Owing to the mess-up one student from a government college committed suicide, according to media reports.

Demonstrations started in Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Mandi Bahauddin soon after the announcement of bogus results. Government authorities took some action on the third day when demonstrations gathered momentum and students surrounded the Gujranwala Board building.

The angry students burnt the records of the board office and also broke board property. On some occasions parents of affected students were seen joining the protests.

Later Intermediate Part-I results of several boards were cancelled. The measure was taken following the protests across Punjab.

The overall credit must go to students who stood up for their rights. Their stand forced the government to cancel the results and now revised results will be announced again within 45 days.

Students who scored between 600 and 900 marks would get their papers rechecked without being charged any fees. Now it seems that students have got their rights. But in that process one student lost his life after suicide and about 15 were injured.

There must be an effective inquiry and the guilty must be punished.

MANZOOR HUSSAIN RAJPER Khairpur Mirs