Islamabad:The Cambridge International Education (CIE) on Wednesday confirmed that an AS-Level Mathematics paper held on May 12 had been leaked beforehand.
It also announced the postponement of another Mathematics examination scheduled for May 15. In a statement, the CIE said the leaked paper was identified as Cambridge International AS-Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709), taken in administrative zones 3 and 4 on May 12, and acknowledged that it had been shared prematurely in violation of strict regulations.
It said it was treating the matter seriously and had launched a detailed inquiry to assess the scale of the breach and determine further action. "Investigations into such incidents are conducted promptly and thoroughly."
Cambridge also said as a precautionary measure and following consultations with key stakeholders in Pakistan, it had postponed Cambridge International AS-Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709), which was due to be held on May 15.
According to it, a replacement paper will be issued, and a revised date will be announced within the June examination series by May 22. The AS- and A-Level results date, however, remains unchanged at August 11.
Cambridge’s Country Director for Pakistan Uzma Yousuf said the organisation’s top priority was to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by the incident, while maintaining the integrity of the examination system.
She added that all decisions were made by senior professionals with full access to relevant facts, emphasising that fairness and reliability of grades remain central so that universities and other institutions can continue to trust the qualifications.
Describing the situation as unprecedented, Uzma said the exam paper theft appeared to be the work of criminal elements attempting to undermine the examination system and students’ futures.
