SHC issues notices against re-leak of MDCAT paper

Seeks response from Sindh govt, PMDC, FIA and other parties

KARACHI:

In response to a plea of 114 students against the re-leak of the MDCAT 2023 paper, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has sent notices to the Sindh government, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Dow University, and other parties.

The petitioner's counsel argued during the hearing that Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) conducted the first MDCAT examination. One day before the exam, the question papers were leaked. On the recommendation of the inquiry committee, the Sindh government decided to retake the exam, but the examination paper re-conducted under Dow University but the paper leaked.

Social media was flooded with question papers late at night before the examination.

According to sources, the leaked paper was sold for Rs1.2  million.

The students contacted Dow University, but the institution disregarded their concerns.

Many students secured 100 per cent marks, despite the inconclusive results shared on social media. Sudents had the question paper before the exam.

The MDCAT examination conducted under Dow University should be declared illegal and null and void.

PMDC and the Sindh government have to be directed to re-organize the examination through an authentic and respectable university. A Joint Investigation Team should be established to investigate.

The court said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should take legal action against those responsible for the leaked paper.

Halem files plea against possible arrest

Sindh High Court has sought response from director general FIA and anti-encroachment director on a petition against possible arrest and secret inquiries of PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto heard the petition.

Petitioner's lawyer Raj Ali Wahid Kanwar advocate stated that in all the known cases against Haleem Adil Sheaikh, bail has been obtained. It is feared that the FIA or any other agency will arrest him in a secret inquiry.

The court expressed its displeasure over the non-submission of a written reply by the FIA and the director anti-encroachment. The court has directed the two officers to reply on December 19. The court remarked that if the written reply is not submitted, DG FIA and director anti-encroachment should appear in person.

The court has refrained agencies from arresting Haleem Adil Shaikh in any anonymous FIR.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2023.