Girls Higher Secondary School Jacob Lines examination centre in Karachi. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/FILE
KARACHI:
The Provincial Department of Universities and Boards has replaced the Controller of Examinations of the Karachi Secondary Education Board just four days before the matriculation exams. Instead of appointing a qualified candidate on merit through an advertisement, Zia-ul-Haq, the outgoing controller, has been replaced by an officer from the Larkana Board.
According to a notification issued by the Secretary of Universities and Boards, Ahmed Khan Chhutto has been appointed as the Controller of Examinations on a one-year deputation. Ahmed Khan Chhutto previously served as Inspector of Institutions at the Larkana Board and, apparently, lacks prior experience in conducting examinations. Despite this, he has been assigned to the Karachi Board, the province’s largest educational board in terms of student enrollment.
Over 300,000 candidates appear for the Class 9 and 10 exams under the Karachi Board, and now the academic future of these students rests in the hands of an officer with no prior experience managing such large-scale examinations.
It is reported that Ahmed Khan Chhutto has shown interest in serving at Karachi boards in the past. A few months ago, he was also appointed as Controller of Examinations at Inter Board Karachi, but he faced significant difficulties in assuming the charge and eventually returned without starting his duties. This marks the second occasion he has been appointed to this critical role at the Karachi Matric Board.
The matriculation exams in Karachi are scheduled to begin on April 7, and the process of centre fixation and issuance of admit cards is still pending. These important tasks have now been entrusted to a new officer with limited experience, raising concerns over the smooth conduct of examinations.
