KARACHI: Prolonged load shedding during matriculation exams has caused serious disruptions across Karachi, with students and invigilators forced to endure intense heat and poor lighting in examination halls, local media reported on Wednesday.
Despite K-Electric’s assurances that exam centres would remain unaffected, several areas including Jahangir Road, Jamshed Road, Lyari, Bin Qasim Town, and Orangi experienced blackouts lasting over two and a half hours—nearly the full duration of the exams.
Students sitting the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams were seen struggling to write their papers in sweltering conditions without fans or proper lighting. Many reported difficulty focusing due to the heat, while teachers expressed concern about how these conditions could affect students’ performance and the clarity of written answers.
This year, approximately 380,000 students from both the science and general groups are appearing in the SSC exams across Karachi. Authorities have enforced Section 144 around exam centres and imposed a ban on mobile phones and electronic devices to maintain discipline.
Additionally, photocopy shops near exam centres have been ordered to remain closed during exam hours to prevent cheating. The matric board chairman said all departments are instructed to ensure smooth and secure exam conduct.
