In a recent press conference, Shafqat Mahmood announced that all exams in Pakistan are canceled until 15th June. Students sitting for the O-Level exams in May/June will now take the exams in the Oct/Nov session.
As per an NCOC meeting earlier this month, authorities stated that they will monitor the Covid situation and decide whether or not Pakistan needs strict measures regarding the containment of the pandemic.
However, recently, the country experienced a massive surge in Covid cases which raised government concerns. Authorities urged the public to follow SOPs in order to prevent a situation like India. PM Khan even enlisted the help of the Army to assist the local police to enforce strict measures.
Read more: Imran Khan asks Pakistan Army to enforce strict SOPs amid COVID surge
Despite the grim situation within the country, Cambridge examinations were being held as per schedule which sparked immense criticism from students and parents alike. People began accusing the government of endangering the lives of students.
#ShafqatMehmood risked the lives of Pakistani students by not opting for grading system as done by #UK & other countries.
Will #NCOCsavestudents by opting for grading system? @CTurnerFCDO #BritishCouncil #Pakistani children need same treatment as #British children. https://t.co/IxvXtQlRsm— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) April 27, 2021
As fears of a complete lockdown loom over Pakistan, NCOC along with the Education Minister has decided that there will be no exams in Pakistan until 15th June. The government will analyze the situation in mid-May and decide accordingly.
If Covid surge prevails, then exams can be delayed even further. However, if the situation seems under control then exams will be conducted from June onwards.
Read more: Shafqat Mahmood slams fake image of Cambridge examinations in Pakistan
Cambridge Examinations will be postponed and will be conducted in the Oct/Nov session, but A2 exams will continue according to the given date sheet as students fear that their year will be wasted.
To further facilitate the students, Shafqat Mahmood announced that the government will coordinate with universities to allow admissions till late January next year.
The reaction
This recent decision has garnered mixed reactions from social media. Many have appreciated this new announcement and are considering it as a win for the students.
Some sense seems to have prevailed & #ShafqatMehmoid announced cancellation of all exams except A2 with strict SOPs.
Only 20 thousand students appearing in A2 and strict SOPs shall be ensured, the minister said. pic.twitter.com/f1ZFUfAG7m— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) April 27, 2021
However, many social media users are also calling this decision another mistake by Shafqat Mahmood. According to them, instead of postponing exams, the exams should be canceled once and for all and students should be passed based on the teacher’s assessments.
Meanwhile, Matric students are stating that Board exams were already being held in Mid-June therefore this decision is of no use.
https://twitter.com/Khushbo68090620/status/1387025086583033867?s=20