Boards fail again as chemistry paper leaked in Karachi, physics in Larkana

Serious concerns have emerged over the credibility of the matriculation examination system in Karachi after the chemistry paper for class 10 was reportedly leaked on social media nearly half an hour before the exam began.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the question paper quickly circulated online, undermining claims by the Board of Secondary Education Karachi that measures had been taken to prevent such incidents.

Authorities had earlier assured that coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and cybercrime units would stop paper leaks, but the latest incident has raised doubts about the effectiveness of these efforts.

This is not an isolated case. Just three days earlier, on 20 April, the chemistry paper for class 11 and the English paper for class 9 were also leaked shortly before examinations in Karachi and Larkana.

Investigations into those incidents are ongoing, and the FIA has reportedly made several arrests linked to the leaks.

The TV channel report further indicated that organised groups assisted students through messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, by sharing answers during the examinations.

Despite these developments, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Larkana, has faced criticism for failing to take effective action.

A total of 521 examination centres have been set up across Karachi, with more than 385,000 candidates appearing for the matric exams.

The repeated incidents of paper leaks and lack of administrative control have intensified concerns about the fairness and transparency of the examination process across Sindh, with calls growing for stricter oversight and accountability.

Meanwhile, physcis paper of first year of inter exams was also leaked in Larkana minutes before the start of the exam on Thursday.

Reporter: Zubair Rashid