Sindh Government's Delay Puts Karachi Intermediate Students in Limbo

The Sindh government’s persistent delays and administrative disarray have placed the academic future of thousands of students in Karachi in jeopardy. With the annual Intermediate Part I and II exams scheduled to begin on April 28, students across the province, especially in Karachi, are left in uncertainty due to the government’s sluggish response and lack of leadership.

Over 100,000 Students Affected in Karachi

According to official figures, around 100,000 students are registered to appear in the Intermediate exams under the Karachi Intermediate Board. Despite this looming deadline, essential exam arrangements are still incomplete.

Key Issues Faced by Students

• No appointed Chairman of the Karachi Intermediate Board.
• Exam schedules and center lists are pending approval.
• No official notification regarding grace marks for Part I students.
• Confusion over failed subjects from Intermediate Part I.

The Grace Marks Dilemma

A major concern among students is the unresolved issue of grace marks. Approximately 50,000 students from Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering groups are unsure whether to retake subjects they failed in Intermediate Part I or wait for the official grace marks notification.

What Was Promised?

A committee led by Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah had recommended awarding up to 20% grace marks in the following subjects:

These recommendations were backed by findings from a fact-finding committee headed by Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, former Vice-Chancellor of NED University.

Following a session in the Sindh Assembly on March 25, a press conference confirmed that grace marks would be granted. The Department of Universities and Boards was tasked with preparing a summary for approval by the Chief Minister of Sindh. However, no official notification has been issued even after more than 20 days.

Consequences of the Delay

If the notification is eventually issued, it would trigger a time-consuming administrative process, including:

• Re-tabulating Intermediate Part I results.
• Printing and distributing revised mark sheets.
• Updating students' academic records.

This entire process could take at least one month, which is problematic as students have already submitted forms for Intermediate Part II, including the subjects they previously failed.

Leadership Vacuum at Karachi Intermediate Board

The situation is worsened by the absence of a Chairman at the Karachi Intermediate Board. The previous Acting Chairman, Prof. Sharaf Ali Shah, was relieved of his duties nearly two weeks ago. Though a new appointment has been made—Faqir Lakho, the Regional Director of Colleges in Karachi—the appointment is yet to be formalized.

Critical Actions on Hold:

• Finalization of Exam Schedule
• Approval of Examination Centers

Both of these require the official signature and approval of the Board Chairman, without which the Board cannot proceed. As of now, students do not know:

• Where they will appear for exams.
• The exact date and subject of each paper.

Student Anxiety on the Rise

With less than two weeks to go, students and parents are growing increasingly anxious. The absence of clear communication and timely decisions from the Sindh government is causing panic among academic circles.

Call to Action for the Sindh Government

The Sindh government must:

• Immediately appoint a Chairman to the Karachi Intermediate Board.
• Expedite the grace marks notification process.
• Release the exam schedule and center lists without delay.
• Ensure transparency and timely updates to students and institutions.

The inefficiencies and bureaucratic hurdles of the Sindh government are creating unnecessary stress and uncertainty for Karachi's Intermediate students. With exams rapidly approaching, urgent action is needed to rectify the situation and safeguard the educational prospects of thousands of students.