MQM-P slams third-party outsourcing of board exams

MPAs say move could increase possibility of corruption in exams

HYDERABAD:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQMP) has rejected the Sindh government's proposal to outsource the conduct of matriculation and intermediate board exams to a private company. Hyderabad-based MPAs Rashid Khilji, Nasir Qureshi, and Nadeem Ahme Siddiqui issued a statement on Sunday, stating that this move could increase the possibility of corruption in the exams while further burdening the boards of intermediate and secondary exams financially.

"The Sindh government has decided to outsource all work to third-party contractors, knowing well that the results of the third-party's work have never been good," they said. The MPAs also argued that this decision reflects a lack of trust in the government's own organisations and departments.

They highlighted that many boards in the province have top positions like chairmen and controllers of examinations vacant, and the government was running them on an ad hoc basis. The MPAs pointed out that the PPP has been in power in the province for almost 15 years, but the provincial government has failed to introduce reforms through good governance.

"The decision to engage a third party has raised many questions that the government needs to answer," the MPAs emphasised. According to reports, the government is considering handing over the exam's conduct to a company named Red Marker. Other potential third parties include the Agha Khan University Board and the IBA.