Shafqat Mahmood, on Monday, slammed a group of activists spreading fake news about the Cambridge Examinations in Pakistan on social media. He took to Twitter and quashed the conspiracy theories circulating on social media aiming for the cancellation of examinations in Pakistan.
He slammed the conspirators for putting at stake the future of students for self-projection.
“Some nobodies who have jumped into this situation for cheap publicity are going so far as to distribute fake pictures of examination halls. Their attempt to spread confusion has failed and will continue to fail because they are not interested in students but self-projection,” wrote Shafqat Mahmood in a tweet.
Some nobodies who have jumped into this situation for cheap publicity are going so far as to distribute fake pictures of examination halls. Their attempt to spread confusion has failed and will continue to fail because they are not interested in students but self projection
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 26, 2021
Read more: Examinations to be held on schedule in Pakistan: Shafqat Mehmood
On weekend, a fake image of the examination room with a closed seating arrangement had gone viral on social media. A score of social media users including students shared the image pressurizing the government to cancel the examination and accused them of risking the lives of students.
Cambridge examinations have begun in Pakistan despite calls to cancel the examination. Trends #ShafqatMahmood, #NCOCcancelexams are trending atop on social media as Cambridge examinations are underway today across Pakistan.
Exams underway at KGS pic.twitter.com/5Fun4lUjY7
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 26, 2021
Shafqat Mahmood also shared the pictures from the examination center showing the strict implementation of COVID-19 protocols.
“Wishing all students taking exams starting from today, the very best. These are tough times and difficult decisions have been made keeping the student’s best interest in view. British Council is committed to the strict implementation of SOPs and we will monitor them closely. Good Luck,” he tweeted earlier today.
Read more: #ImranKhanCancelExam: Maryam Nawaz calls for the cancellation of CAIE
He also issued a list of recommendations put forward by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations. In a letter dated to be issued on April 25th, Cambridge has given a series of relaxation to students. It allows them to shift for October/ November session 2021 without any extra charges.
He also shared the list of SOPs set by the British Council set for venue staff and invigilators to follow.
As regards AS students I have asked Cambridge to reconsider the 13 month condition for taking remaining papers considering the extra ordinary situation. I am very hopeful that a positive decision will come soon
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 26, 2021
Those students and parents still not comfortable can switch to Oct/Nov cycle without any extra charge. Also please read the attached Cambridge document carefully. It has answers to different scenarios which facilitate students https://t.co/1iqfNcBSCz
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 26, 2021
Moreover, they can also appear in one component of the subject, however, they will still be graded even when they miss the examinations.
It has allowed schools as well to apply to defer the examination if they believe they could not complete the course within the time.
He says he has talked to CAIE for the relaxation of 13 months condition for AS Level students and he is hopeful to have a positive response.
Earlier, a large number of celebrities and politicians have called the government to cancel the exam.
Calls have been made under the #ImranKhanCancelExam to delay the examination. However, the examining body and the Ministry of Education and Government of Pakistan are reluctant to cancel the GCE and CAIE in Pakistan.
Read more: Understanding the loopholes in Pakistan’s education system
Meanwhile, students had filed petitions in high courts across Pakistan, urging the justice system of Pakistan to intervene in the matter. High courts in their decision directed the matter to NCOC.