7k students declared absent, parents demand answers

APMSO seeks public release of answer scripts over 'irregularities'

KARACHI:

More than 7,000 students allegedly marked absent in matriculation and intermediate examinations have triggered a protest in Karachi, with student representatives and parents demanding an independent inquiry and public disclosure of answer scripts.

The demonstration, organised by the All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation (APMSO) and Student Parents Federation outside the KPC, called on the Sindh govt and examination boards to account for the disputed results.

Accusing the provincial government of neglecting Karachi's education sector for the past 18 years, APMSO Joint In-charge Sharjeel Baig cited deteriorating institutions, poor examination management and alleged disregard for merit.

Questioning the appointment of the matriculation board chairman, Baig asked why an experienced professor had not been appointed to the position and why an official from the technical colleges sector had been entrusted with the responsibility.

He demanded that answer scripts of all students who had failed be made public and uploaded to the respective examination boards' websites, enabling students and parents to scrutinise the marking process.

The APMSO and the parents' federation demanded a review of disputed results and corrective measures.