Sindh forms inquiry committee over exam centre irregularities in Karachi

KARACHI: The Sindh government has set up a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate alleged irregularities linked to the shifting of examination centres and reported misconduct within the Secondary Education Board Karachi.

The inquiry was ordered on the directions of Sindh Universities and Boards Minister Ismail Rahoo and constituted through a notification issued by the secretary of the Universities & Boards Department, Sindh, according to a spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the committee has been asked to complete its work within 15 days and submit its report to the provincial minister.

Committee composition and mandate

Under the notification, the special secretary of the Universities and Boards Department will serve as the convener of the committee. The chairman of the Technical Board and the additional secretary (Boards) will serve as members.

The committee has been assigned to examine the reasons examination centres were changed before or during the exams. It will also look into whether those decisions were driven by financial benefit, nepotism or unlawful pressure.

In addition, the panel will investigate allegations related to irregularities in the allocation of examination centres, collusion and misuse of authority.

Minister promises action

Minister Ismail Rahoo said the committee would identify the officials and employees involved in any wrongdoing and added that strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible.

The move comes amid concerns over the handling of examination centre transfers and broader allegations of misconduct in the Secondary Education Board Karachi.

According to the spokesperson, the fact-finding body has been given a defined timeframe to complete its probe, indicating that the provincial government wants the matter examined promptly. The committee’s findings are to be submitted directly to the minister after the investigation is completed.

The inquiry will focus specifically on the circumstances in which centres were shifted either before the start of examinations or while exams were under way, and whether any improper influence played a role in those decisions. It will also review claims of collusion and abuse of powers in the process of assigning centres.

Officials named by the committee, if any, could face disciplinary proceedings, as the minister has said action would be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry is concluded.