O/A Level papers leak likely originated abroad, NA committee told

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee was informed on Monday that the leakage of O/A level papers had originated likely from some other country as no evidence was found to establish its link with Pakistan.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, which met with acting Chairman Anjum Aqeel Khan in the chair, besides other agenda items discussed the papers leakage issue of O/A level exams.

The committee was informed that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), after examining the matter, “found no evidence to establish that the leakage had originated from Pakistan.”

The committee was further informed that NCCIA does not have direct access to servers located abroad, which limits its ability to independently trace the source, location and mechanism of any alleged leakage occurring through overseas servers.

Lawmakers express concern over growing menace of narcotics in educational institutions

In May this year, the government had ordered a probe into the alleged leakage of Cambridge examination papers, directing NCCIA to investigate in coordination with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) amid concerns raised by parents and students over the alleged leakage of some papers.

Meanwhile, the committee expressed grave concern over the growing menace of narcotics in educational institutions and observed that the increasing reports of drug use and supply to students required immediate, coordinated and result-oriented action by the concerned authorities. The committee stressed the need for an effective coordination mechanism among the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to identify the sources of drug supply and prevent the involvement of criminal elements in and around educational institutions.

The committee said the responsibility for ensuring a safe, secure and drug-free learning environment requires a coordinated response involving educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities with clear responsibilities, effective monitoring and strict enforcement.

The committee sought verified data on reported cases of drug use and supply in educational institutions, including the number and nature of cases, action taken by the concerned authorities, the mechanism adopted for inter-agency coordination and details of the penalties and punishments awarded to those found involved. The committee observed that mere establishment of committees and formulation of policies would not be sufficient unless accompanied by effective implementation, regular monitoring and visible action against those responsible for supplying narcotics to students.

The meeting was informed that Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees had been established in higher educational institutions to monitor and address issues relating to drug and tobacco use among students. The members, however, stressed that such institutional mechanisms must be strengthened and linked with law-enforcement and regulatory authorities to ensure timely reporting, investigation and action in cases involving narcotics.

Meanwhile, the committee stressed the need to make the programmes of National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) more outcome-oriented and aligned with international labour market requirements. The meeting observed that the global employment landscape was changing rapidly, particularly in the Middle East, and emphasised the importance of continuously assessing emerging demand for skilled manpower in international markets.

Similarly, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) informed the meeting that pursuant to the recommendations of the subcommittee, a number of measures had been introduced to facilitate students with dyslexia during examinations. These measures included provision of additional time and assistance in reading the question paper to students requiring such support.

The committee stressed the need for regular psychological support and the availability of trained remedial teachers in educational institutions to identify learning difficulties at an early stage and provide appropriate assistance to affected students in the classroom.

A member stated that legislation relating to dyslexia had also been enacted by the Punjab Assembly, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and uniform approach to address the educational needs of children with dyslexia.

The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) informed the committee that it would take up the matter with all boards to promote uniform measures and ensure that appropriate facilities and support mechanisms for students with dyslexia were adopted nationwide.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2026