The recent release of the intermediate science group exam results by the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) has sparked controversy, raising concerns for the future of arts and commerce students.
Parents and students find themselves in a state of shock and worry, particularly after the caretaker chief minister reportedly commented, "If students have failed, they must have failed." This stance has fueled frustration, and vice chancellors of major public universities in Karachi have expressed their apprehensions about the unfolding situation.
The fate of numerous students is uncertain following the announcement of the disputed results. Protests have erupted over the past week as a majority of students failed in the BIEK's first-year results. The conflicting opinions among top officials in Sindh have further intensified the issue.
Governor Kamran Tessori has raised concerns over the alarming 64% failure rate in Karachi's intermediate first-year exams. He believes that even if the results are corrected, the negative impact will persist globally. On the other hand, Sindh CM Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar dismisses protests, asserting that if students have failed, demonstrations are futile.
The released results indicate an 80% failure rate in Inter Arts Group first year (regular), 72% failure in Inter Arts Group first year (private), and 63% failure in commerce first year (private). Vice Chancellor of NED University Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi termed the results "regrettable" and suggested a reevaluation, drawing parallels with the reconsideration of Cambridge exam results during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lodhi urged the Board to reassess the results. Similarly, Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University Professor Dr. Waliuddin expressed dissatisfaction, recommending a thorough analysis comparing university entrance test results with board results for the same students.
Assurances from Karachi's commissioner and the BIEK chairman include re-totalling marks for scrutiny in the copies of any 10 students scoring above 80% in matriculation. They have pledged oversight of the checking process.
