The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a high-level investigation into a cheating scandal during the screening tests for schoolteacher appointments. A gang involved in manipulating the examination process was caught red-handed.
The Education Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), responsible for conducting the tests, uncovered the cheating network during ongoing teacher recruitment exams across the province. Following the development, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a formal directive to the chief secretary on Sunday, mandating a comprehensive and time-bound inquiry.
Cheating Network Uncovered in Bannu
According to officials, the gang was caught in Bannu while it was in communication with candidates taking the test at multiple exam centers. The group extracted the question paper from a test center, solved it off-site, and relayed correct answers to test-takers using electronic devices.
The cheating ring was dismantled through coordinated action by ETEA officials, district administration, and law enforcement agencies. Authorities managed to track the suspects to a guesthouse in Bannu, where 10 members were arrested. Law enforcement confiscated a laptop, a scanner-photocopier, 10 mobile phones, and several ETEA test documents. A case has been filed against the suspects at Mirakhel Police Station, and all arrested individuals are currently in custody.
The incident occurred during the recruitment process for 16,000 schoolteacher positions across the province, for which over 800,000 candidates have registered. The tests are being held in phases across different districts.
Intelligence-Led Operation
An early lead came when one of the gang members, posing as a candidate at the University of Science and Technology Bannu, exited the exam hall with the question paper. Surveillance teams followed him to the gang’s location. This prompted an immediate raid by local authorities and ETEA officials, leading to multiple arrests.
CM Demands Accountability and Reforms
The chief minister has ordered the chief secretary to investigate how the test materials were accessed and leaked, and to uncover the group’s methods and any broader connections. He has also asked for an assessment of any potential involvement or negligence by examination staff, invigilators, or local officials.
In addition, the inquiry must include a review of ETEA’s security measures, IT infrastructure, and operational protocols to identify and address any systemic vulnerabilities. The probe is to recommend legal, disciplinary, and administrative actions against all those found responsible.
The CM further instructed the inquiry team to evaluate the credibility of the May 10th test and suggest necessary remedial measures if required. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms to strengthen the integrity of high-stakes public recruitment examinations.
“You are requested to assign a senior officer or team with the necessary experience and integrity to carry out this inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within 15 days,” the chief minister’s letter stated.
Additionally, the CM directed the elementary and secondary education department to review examination arrangements province-wide, ensure coordination with district administrations, and deploy oversight officers in collaboration with ETEA to uphold the transparency of the recruitment process.
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