Prolonged power load shedding has disrupted matriculation exams across Karachi, leaving students and invigilators to endure stifling heat and inadequate lighting in examination halls, local media sources reported on Wednesday.
Despite earlier assurances from K-Electric that power outages would not affect exam centres, multiple venues in Jahangir Road, Jamshed Road, Lyari, Bin Qasim Town, and Orangi experienced blackouts lasting more than two and a half hours — almost the entire exam duration.
Students were forced to complete their papers in sweltering conditions, with no access to fans or lighting. Many expressed distress, struggling to concentrate while drenched in sweat. Teachers also voiced concern over the potential impact of heat and poor visibility on students’ performance and the legibility of answer sheets.
Around 380,000 candidates — both science and general group — are sitting the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams across the city. Authorities have enforced Section 144 near exam centres and imposed a ban on mobile phones and electronic devices inside the halls.
Photocopying shops in the vicinity of exam centres have been ordered to remain shut during examination hours to prevent any misuse. The matric board chairman said all relevant departments have been directed to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the exams.
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