CM implores parents to help end cheating menace

In an open letter to parents of candidates appearing for matric and intermediate exams this year, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday urged them to help authorities eliminate use of unfair means to clear board examinations.

The letter was addressed to all candidates set to appear for parts I and II of the Secondary School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate examinations.

The CM stated that the examinations, scheduled to begin from March 28 would play an important role in shaping the academic lives and future of the students. He added that it had come to his attention that many students resorted to cheating to clear the papers which is putting their future at risk. “Therefore I have issued necessary directives, and the administration is gearing up to tackle this pressing issue.”  

His letter further read, “Today I would like to call upon all students and parents to also play an integral part in eliminating this menace.  I understand that parents are concerned about their children receiving good and fair marks. However, this cannot at any time, justify an evil such as cheating, and it will not be tolerated or excused at any cost.”

The CM Sindh observed that the menace would not only hinder the development of the province’s education sector but would also have negative effects on the future of the coming generations.

Murad vowed that the administration would effectively combat the menace of cheating by taking stringent steps to curb it.  He added that the teachers will be taking corrective measures to stop cheating and all those found involved would be dealt with harshly, and penalties imposed on all including the invigilator and staff members. 

He further urges in his letter that, “Let us all come together in saving the future of our country from this scourge. The success of our nation must be the result of honest hard work and sincere dedication.” 

Citing Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Murad wrote that to remind the children in the immortal words of the nation’s founder that, “Pakistan is proud of her youth, particularly the students, who are nation builders of tomorrow. They must fully equip themselves with discipline, education, and training for arduous tasks lying ahead of them.”

He stated that he had all confidence in the children, who guided by their parents and teachers, will take the high road and not use unfair means to clear their exams.