Education Ministry orders urgent investigation after reports of repeated CIE Mathematics paper breaches
Pakistan’s federal government has launched an investigation into alleged leaks of Cambridge International Education (CIE) examination papers following fresh reports that an AS-Level Mathematics exam was circulated online before the scheduled test.
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui directed the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) chairman to immediately engage with Cambridge authorities to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and protect students’ interests.
Government expresses concern over repeated leaks
The minister described the incidents as “an extremely serious matter,” saying repeated reports of paper leaks have caused severe stress and uncertainty for students and parents.
“Hardworking students cannot be allowed to suffer because of such incidents,” Siddiqui said, emphasizing that the government would not compromise on merit, transparency, or the future of students.
He also stressed that all relevant institutions must fulfill their responsibilities with accountability and seriousness.
Mathematics paper allegedly leaked before exam
The controversy emerged after reports that the AS-Level Mathematics paper (9709/5), scheduled for May 12 at 2pm, had allegedly been shared on social media before the examination began.
Several students claimed that the same paper circulating online earlier was later distributed inside examination halls.
The incident came only days after another Cambridge AS-Level Mathematics paper (9709/12) was cancelled due to a confirmed leak.
IBCC seeks clarification from Cambridge
IBCC Executive Director Ghulam Ali Mallah initially acknowledged reports of a breach and said the commission was awaiting a formal response from Cambridge authorities.
He described the repeated incidents as “regrettable” and said such leaks continued despite existing safeguards.
However, later in the day, Dr Mallah clarified that only Cambridge International Education could officially confirm or deny whether the paper had been leaked.
Cambridge responds cautiously
Cambridge International Education Country Director Uzma Yousuf said the examination body investigates all allegations related to paper leaks but declined to comment specifically on individual reports.
“We do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks. In the rare case where there is a genuine issue, we update schools at the right time and provide recommended next steps,” she said.
Uzma Yousuf urged students and the public to rely only on official statements and avoid spreading misinformation during examination periods.
Earlier paper leak forced exam cancellation
Cambridge had earlier confirmed that the AS-Level Mathematics paper (9709/12), conducted on April 29 in Administrative Zones 3 and 4, had been leaked before the examination.
The examination body declared the paper invalid, stating that it would not be used for final grading purposes.
Affected students were instructed to retake the paper, with a replacement examination scheduled for June 9 under the official Cambridge timetable.
Students raise concerns over exam integrity
Students appearing in the ongoing May-June examination session expressed concern over repeated reports of paper leaks, saying the incidents undermine confidence in the examination process.
Reports also suggested that some additional papers during the current examination cycle may have been partially leaked, although no official confirmation has been issued.
Ministry demands full investigation
The Ministry of Education has called for a complete inquiry into the latest allegations and demanded that all facts surrounding the incident be brought to light.
The federal government has also instructed the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen to convene an urgent meeting with Cambridge representatives to discuss examination security measures and steps to restore student confidence.
“Restoring students’ confidence remains the top priority,” Siddiqui said.