The recent shift of the FPSC examination centre from Sukkur City to Pano Aqil Cantt has caused widespread distress and inconvenience. For students belonging to Sukkur, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah) Divisions, reaching Pano Aqil Cantt has become an uphill task. The long distance, limited public transport and strict security protocols of a cantonment area have added needless complexities.
The impact is most severe on candidates from low-income families, female students and those travelling alone. Many are compelled to begin their journey in the early hours of the morning, facing safety risks, fatigue and mental exhaustion — factors that significantly affect their performance in such a crucial examination.
On a personal note, being a senior citizen, I had to accompany my child to the FPSC examination centre at Pano Aqil Cantt. The journey of nearly 60 km from our residence in Sukkur was not only physically exhausting but also emotionally draining. More so, given the heavy fog, the early morning travel between the two cities exposed us to serious safety and security concerns, heavy fuel expenses and immense mental stress. Such an experience reflects the silent suffering of countless families across Upper Sindh.
Sukkur has historically remained a central, accessible and well-facilitated hub for educational and administrative activities. It remained the centre for all previous FPSC exams. One wonders what suddenly happened that FPSC decided to shift the centre from a mega city to a small town. Sukkur has strong transport connectivity, security arrangements and examination infrastructure which make it an ideal and a practical location for a federal test centre. Restoring Sukkur as an FPSC examination centre would immediately relieve thousands of deserving candidates and reaffirm the principles of fairness, accessibility and equal opportunity.
The present arrangement has placed an unnecessary emotional, financial and logistical burden on the aspirants — one that can be resolved through a single compassionate and rational administrative decision. The authorities concerned must reconsider this matter and restore Sukkur City as an FPSC test centre at the earliest, in the larger interest of justice, public convenience and national talent. Hope the authorities, especially the FPSC chairman, will take notice and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Prof Abdul Ghani Soomro
