- Students say paper shared on social media before exam.
- Ghulam Ali Mallah describes leaks as “regrettable”.
- Says body has so far failed to prevent such incidents.
The second paper of AS-level mathematics under Cambridge International Education (CIE) was reportedly leaked before the examination, it emerged on Tuesday.
The paper was reportedly leaked on Monday, with several students telling Geo News that the mathematics paper (9709/5), which was scheduled to start at 2pm, had already been shared on social media prior to the examination.
IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah confirmed the breach to Geo News, saying they were awaiting a formal and detailed stance from Cambridge.
“Cambridge has also initially confirmed the paper leak, and it is unfortunate that such leaks continue,” he added.
Dr Mallah described the repeated leaks of Cambridge papers as “regrettable”, saying the examination body had so far failed to prevent such incidents.
Reacting to reports, Cambridge Country Director Uzma Yousuf said that the examination body investigates all allegations related to paper leaks, without addressing reports about the alleged leak.
“We do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks. In the rare case where there is a genuine issue, we update schools at the right time and provide recommended next steps,” she told Geo News.
Uzma urged people to rely only on official statements and avoid spreading misinformation, saying misinformation during examination periods can disrupt students’ preparation and create unnecessary uncertainty.
Later in the day, Dr Mallah said that he had not confirmed or denied the leak, stressing that only Cambridge can officially confirm or deny such matters.
According to an earlier Cambridge statement, the AS-level mathematics paper (9709/12) had previously been declared invalid after a separate leak incident, with officials concluding it could not be used for grading purposes.
Cambridge had said that the paper, conducted on April 29 in Administrative Zones 3 and 4, had been distributed without authorisation before the examination.
It confirmed that affected candidates would be required to retake the paper, with a replacement examination scheduled for June 9, under the official Cambridge examination timetable.
Education minister orders immediate probe
Following reports about the alleged leaks, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui directed the IBCC chairman to establish immediate contact with Cambridge authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, clarification of the facts, and urgent measures for the protection of students’ interests.
Expressing concern over the reported leaks, he said that such incidents caused severe mental stress, anxiety, and uncertainty for students and their parents, particularly for those who prepare for their examinations with hard work, dedication, and honesty.
Terming the incidents “an extremely serious matter”, he emphasised that Cambridge must further strengthen and secure its examination system, security protocols, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure they remain effective and tamper-proof, thereby restoring and maintaining students’ trust and confidence.
Siddiqui reiterated that the government will not compromise on the future of students, the transparency of the examination system, and the protection of merit.
He stressed that all relevant institutions must fulfill their responsibilities with seriousness and accountability.
