Jacob Lines Examination Center of Higher Secondary School for Girls in Karachi. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/FILE
KARACHI:
The Provincial Department of Universities and Boards replaced the examination controller of the Karachi Board of Secondary Education just four days before the matriculation exams. Instead of appointing a qualified candidate based on his merits through advertisement, Zia-ul-Haq, the outgoing controller, was replaced by an officer of the Larkana board.
According to a notification issued by the Universities and Boards Secretary, Ahmed Khan Chhutto has been appointed as Controller of Examinations for a tenure of one year. Ahmed Khan Chhutto was previously the Inspector of Institutions at Larkana Board and apparently lacks prior experience in conducting examinations. Despite this, he was posted to the Karachi Board, the largest school board in the province in terms of student enrollment.
More than 300,000 candidates are appearing for the Karachi Board Class 9 and 10 exams, and now the academic future of these students lies in the hands of an officer with no prior experience in handling such large-scale exams.
It is reported that Ahmed Khan Chhutto has expressed interest in serving on Karachi boards in the past. A few months ago, he was also appointed as Controller of Examinations at the Inter Board Karachi, but he faced significant difficulties in taking up the charge and eventually returned without taking up the post. This is the second time he has been appointed to this critical role in the Karachi Matric Board.
The matriculation exams in Karachi are scheduled to begin on April 7, and the process of fixing the center and issuing admit cards is still pending. These important tasks have now been handed over to a new officer with limited experience, raising concerns about the smooth running of the exams.
