SHC orders MDCAT retake within four weeks

The court questioned the effectiveness of the committee appointed to investigate MDCAT issues, seeking accountability

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar has directed that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) be re-conducted within four weeks, amid concerns of irregularities.

He emphasised that no games should be played with the future of the students who took the exam, stating, "We cannot leave students in a state of uncertainty."

The hearing was held by a bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, addressing petitions over alleged discrepancies in the MDCAT exam process.

During the proceedings, the court questioned the effectiveness of the committee previously appointed to investigate the issues, asking, “Did the committee work or just rest at home?” Committee Chairperson Shireen Narejo presented the report to the court.

The court noted that the primary responsibility lay with the PMDC and Dow University, highlighting that the purpose of a testing agency is distinct and that assigning responsibilities to universities, such as Jinnah Sindh University and Dow University, complicates the process.

Shireen Narejo informed the court that the committee reviewed the examination system at Dow University. The statements and evidence provided by the petitioners were also examined. Some students contacted the committee, stating that the exam should not be re-conducted, and their statements were also recorded.

She further said the committee's investigation found flaws in the examination system, revealing that the system was compromised at various points. Around 40 to 42 individuals were responsible for managing the examination system.

The court remarked, "If the mechanism was compromised, does that mean the paper was leaked?" In response, Shireen Narejo stated that answers and various questions were found on WhatsApp.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar remarked that no games should be played with the students who took the exam. “We cannot leave students under a cloud of uncertainty,” he said.

The PMDC’s lawyer stated that an inquiry is underway into those responsible for this entire matter, including an investigation into the alleged paper leak.

Justice Panhwar further commented, “You are playing into the hands of powerful people. You have no control over other universities.”

The lawyer argued that universities like LUMS and others also fall under PMDC's regulations. The court questioned, “How much money have you received in connection with these exams?” The PMDC lawyer replied that he currently had no specific figures available.

Justice Amjad Ali Sahito remarked, “You must have received over Rs45 million.” Justice Salahuddin Panhwar added, “Your authority seems to only extend over those who are less privileged.”

The PMDC lawyer argued that they operate under agreements made with universities.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar remarked, “If the PMDC were to resign, it would be a different matter.”

The court issued a brief ruling on the petitions, ordering the relevant authorities to re-conduct the exam within four weeks. A detailed judgment will be announced later.

Earlier the Sindh High Court halted the announcement of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) results and ordered a committee to gather records from all institutions and prepare a report.

Additionally, the court also ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to appoint a team to investigate the matter.