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ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to investigate alleged Cambridge exam paper leaks after fresh concerns triggered anxiety among students and parents nationwide.
The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control said Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review reports of leaked Cambridge examination papers during the ongoing assessment session.
The meeting was attended by Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, senior officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, representatives of Cambridge International Education, the British Council, the Foreign Office and the British deputy high commissioner.
According to the ministry, Mahbub briefed participants on mounting concerns among parents and students regarding the alleged leakage of Cambridge O-Level Mathematics papers. The ministry said the government sought clarity from Cambridge following repeated complaints during this year’s examination cycle.
Representatives from Cambridge International Education told the meeting that the institution maintained strict procedures to protect examination integrity and ensure transparency throughout the testing process. The British deputy high commissioner reportedly told participants the incident appeared to involve theft rather than a full-scale paper leak.
The interior secretary expressed serious concern over the allegations and directed NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali to launch a detailed investigation in coordination with Cambridge officials. He also ordered timely sharing of findings to maintain public confidence and ensure transparency.
The ministry said the meeting also decided that Cambridge would strengthen system safeguards to address weaknesses and loopholes in the examination process. Officials stressed the need for coordinated measures to prevent future breaches.
The latest controversy follows Cambridge International Education’s confirmation on Wednesday that an AS-Level Mathematics paper held on Tuesday had been leaked. The examination body also postponed another Mathematics paper scheduled for Friday. It was the second paper leak incident acknowledged by Cambridge during the current examination session.
Last month, Cambridge confirmed that the AS-Level Mathematics paper 9709/12, conducted on April 29, had also been compromised. Following an internal investigation, the organisation concluded the claims were credible and scheduled a replacement examination for June 9.
Cambridge International Education, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, conducts examinations in more than 160 countries and serves thousands of schools globally. In Pakistan, Cambridge qualifications remain widely popular among private schools because they are recognised by universities in Britain, North America and the Middle East.
The repeated paper leak allegations have intensified scrutiny of examination security in Pakistan’s private education sector. In June last year, three AS and A-Level papers were partially leaked across the country, prompting criticism from parents and student groups demanding stronger safeguards and accountability.
Pakistan has witnessed rising concerns over examination malpractice in recent years as digital platforms and encrypted messaging applications made the circulation of leaked material easier. According to officials familiar with the matter, authorities are increasingly relying on cybercrime investigators to trace online networks involved in distributing examination content before scheduled assessments.
Education experts say repeated disruptions could undermine student confidence and damage Pakistan’s reputation among international examination providers. The latest investigation comes as thousands of O-Level and A-Level students prepare for university admissions in Pakistan and abroad, where grades from Cambridge assessments play a critical role.
The federal government has pledged stricter oversight of examination procedures following the latest controversy. Officials said the NCCIA investigation into the Cambridge paper leak would help identify security lapses and support reforms aimed at protecting the credibility of future examinations in Pakistan.
