A RECENT visit to the Board of Inter-mediate Education Karachi (BIEK) left me deeply concerned about the law and order situation within its premises. Soon after entering the premises, I noticed groups of young men standing at various points. When I moved towards a counter near the main gate, one of them approached me, asked the purpose of my visit and requested my documents so that he could ‘assist’ me. When I asked if he was a BIEK employee, he claimed he was, but upon my asking for an identity card, admitted that he was not. I declined his assistance and completed my work through the relevant office without difficulty.
However, while waiting for my documents, I witnessed two men from the same group enter an office and speak rudely in a threatening tone to a board employee who appeared quite intimidated despite trying to remain composed. They wanted some personal documentation work done on a priority basis.
Similar groups were roaming freely throughout the premises, spitting gutka and naswar, and creating an intimidating atmosphere. I later learnt that these people are affiliated with a Karachi-based political party, and operate as unofficial agents offering ‘paid’ documentation assistance.
What is most alarming is that visitors to the BIEK, particularly girls, have little protection if confronted by such men. Just in case an argument arises over something, one would be at their mercy, given their visible presence and influence inside the offices. This concern is reinforced by media reports about the existence of “agent mafia” at the BIEK, and incidents of harassment and assaults.
The BIEK administration as well as law enforcers must restore the writ of the state within the premises, and ensure that citizens have complete access to public services without any kind of fear or intimidation.
Waqas A. Ranjha
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026