[Current Affairs] April 26, 2021 Top Pakistan Current Affairs for FPSC Test Preparation

2. Govt and courts deny request to cancel exams

What’s going on? The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) came up with new restrictions on schools and public activities. These are still stopping short of a full-fledge lockdown. At the same time, the NCOC said Pakistan will power through with in-person/indoor O and A level exams throughout the country. Students asked to receive school-assessed grades as an alternative to taking in-person exams, but the govt and courts said ‘nope.’

But why? The NCOC reportedly thinks in-person Cambridge exams are fine since a small number of students are taking them in Pakistan.

The details: On Friday, four different high courts in Pakistan sided with the NCOC and turned down a student-led petition to cancel physical O and A level exams. The A levels are starting on April 26 and O levels are starting on May 4. The Cambri­dge Assessment Internatio­nal Education program issues O and A levels.

Tell me more: A group of students who filed the petition don’t think it’s fair for them to take in-person exams during a pandemic, especially while COVID-19 cases in Pakistan are increasing. According to the students, they didn’t have physical classes for most of the academic year, and didn’t get a chance to complete the syllabus either. Plus, they believe in-person exams will put their lives and the lives of their family members at risk. These students are worried about being exposed to the virus while taking physical exams in packed examination halls.

The context: Schools in districts with a positivity rate of over 5% will be closed until Eid. Markets can only remain open until 6:00 pm, but essential services can continue operating. There are already restrictions on indoor dining, but outdoor dining is banned until Eid. Indoor gyms will be closed. Office timings are limited to 2:00 pm. Offices can only operate with 50% of their staff, while the rest work from home. The interior ministry said provinces and federal territories can ask the army to help enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) if people aren’t following COVID-19 prevention rules.

Something to know: On Sunday, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood also stood by the NCOC’s decision and said physical Cambridge exams are happening on schedule. From a health standpoint, he said the number of students is small enough and SOPs at exam centers will be manageable. Mehmood also doesn’t want the grading system to get messed up. According to Mehmood, Cambridge International gave students in Pakistan the option to take O and A level exams in October/November without paying additional fees.

Cambridge International’s position on running exams: On its official website, the program said it plans for the summer 2021 exam series to go ahead where it’s “permitted and safe.” It did give school-assessed grades as another option in countries where exams cannot take place.

Looking ahead: Students are still waiting on PM Khan to suddenly say physical exams are cancelled, but the chances of that happening are slim.

• Update: According to a tweet by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of operations in Lahore, police recently arrested the guy who abused the group of women at Jami Shireen Park. The tweet said, “Lahore Police Operations Wing will continue to strive in ensuring a safe environment for everyone, irrespective of gender and race.