Rawalpindi District to Impose Section 144 Around Exam Centres

The divisional administration has directed the deputy commissioners of all six districts of Rawalpindi to enforce Section 144 around examination centers during the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examinations, set to begin on March 4.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Rawalpindi Commissioner Amir Khattak to review examination arrangements for the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi. Commissioner Khattak emphasized the need for foolproof security measures, urging district authorities to ensure a transparent and peaceful examination environment.

According to BISE Rawalpindi Chairman Adnan Khan, approximately 120,024 candidates will appear in the exams across 399 designated centers. To enhance monitoring, control rooms have been established throughout the division.

Highlighting security concerns, Mr. Khan noted that 97 examination centers have been categorized as sensitive: 37 in Rawalpindi, 15 in Attock, 17 in Jhelum, 8 in Chakwal, 11 in Talagang, and 9 in Murree. Additional staff and security personnel will be deployed at these locations to prevent any misconduct.

Commissioner Khattak instructed the installation of CCTV cameras in examination halls to maintain strict surveillance. He urged deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and other relevant officials to conduct regular inspections of the centers within their jurisdictions.

“Examinations are not just tests but a platform for healthy competition that shapes the future of our students. Ensuring transparency is our collective responsibility,” said Khattak. He warned that any reports of malpractice or negligence would be dealt with sternly, with immediate FIRs registered against those involved. Unauthorized absences from examination duties will also face strict disciplinary action.

Ensuring a stress-free environment for students remains a top priority. “Every student should be confident that their hard work will be fairly evaluated without the fear of dishonesty,” added the commissioner.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema and the deputy commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Murree, and Chakwal via video link. The district administrations pledged full support to BISE Rawalpindi in ensuring smooth and transparent conduct of the SSC examinations.