In K-P, new exam system could face delays

As educational year nears end, format for board exams remains to be finalised

PESHAWAR: The provincial education authorities were asked on Thursday to adopt clear policies regarding board examinations while taking diametrically opposite decisions overnight creates confusion amongst parents and students. The education board was also directed to provide a gap of a year before implementing new examination or education systems.

This was directed by a two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), comprising Justice Qaiser Rashid and Justice Muhammad Naeem Anwar, on Thursday as it resumed hearing a writ petition over the government’s decision to abolish board exams for the eighth grade while holding composite exams for the ninth and tenth grades.

During the hearing, the court expressed its resentment over the absence of education director even though the court had summoned him. Justice Rashid warned that if the official does not appear in next hearing, they will fine him.

Justice Rashid remarked that the educational year is coming to an end and the format for board exams has yet to be finalised.

The court ordered relevant authorities to inform students and parents at least year before changes to examination systems and education policies are made so that students and parents don’t face difficulties. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2019.