Senate Orders Fast-Track Probe Into Cambridge Paper Leak in Pakistan

The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education has directed authorities to expedite the investigation into the alleged Cambridge examination paper leak, saying the prolonged inquiry is causing uncertainty and affecting students.

The committee, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, discussed the alleged Cambridge paper leak, measures to curb plagiarism in educational institutions, and reports of government schools collecting donations from students during a meeting.

The alleged Cambridge paper leak emerged as one of the key agenda items, with affected students appearing before the committee to present their concerns. Students informed lawmakers that the National Crisis and Crime Investigation (NCCI) is conducting a detailed probe into the matter and that they remain in contact with investigators.

Following the briefing, the committee instructed the NCCI to complete its investigation as soon as possible, emphasizing that delays are wasting students’ valuable time and creating uncertainty regarding the examination process.

Officials from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) told the committee that investigators are reviewing 17 different examination components as part of the inquiry. However, they said that none of the components examined so far has officially confirmed that a paper leak occurred.

The committee also received a briefing from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on efforts to combat plagiarism in Pakistan’s education sector. HEC officials said consultations with all educational boards would be completed within three months, after which a comprehensive implementation plan would be finalized.

They assured the committee that the HEC would fully implement its recommendations to strengthen anti-plagiarism measures across educational institutions.

Chairperson Bushra Anjum Butt said plagiarism has serious consequences for both students and the country’s education system, stressing that effective preventive measures are essential.

Separately, the committee also discussed reports that government schools were collecting donations from students for repair and maintenance work.

Bushra noted that while the Punjab Education Regulatory Authority (PERA) had permitted fundraising in certain circumstances, collecting cash donations directly from students in public schools was concerning.

The committee decided to seek an explanation from the relevant ministry, while teachers from the schools concerned will also be summoned at the next meeting.

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