KARACHI:
The Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) has been accused of tampering with the future of many aspiring doctors of Pakistan. Many students have reported irregularities in the recent tests and examinations conducted by PMC. The tests ensure the admission of students to different medical universities in the country. Students have complained of out-of-course questions that were not relevant to their field. In addition, the answer key is believed to be incorrect as the options marked correct appear to be wrong. Irregularities such as these confuse the students. Consequently, they are unable to complete the test effectively.
Furthermore, there is no mechanism for students to verify the veracity of their results. Previously, all students were provided with a carbon copy of the test, which enabled them to cross-check their answers by themselves. This shows that the selecting body already has a biased perspective. They are accepting results of tests based on erroneous and murky methods. In Quetta, students protested against the testing methods. It is their right to protest for the sake of their future. However, those who are at the helm of affairs are so oblivious and insensitive to the ambitions of the people that instead of addressing their concerns regarding alleged irregularities, they unleashed brutal force against the protesting students.
This is a shameless act. Such high-handedness against the students shows that it will take decades for authorities to learn democratic norms. The government must take this matter seriously and order a transparent inquiry to ensure that the future of students is in safe hands.
Shakeel Ghouri
Mirpurkhas
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2021.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
