Students across Pakistan are worried about their futures and many of them are in favor of online exams. While their grievances were not taken in seriously by Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, some major personalities have stepped in to make the process easier for students across the country.
The corona virus pandemic hit every sector hard, but it disrupted the life of students. The schools were closed and reopened several times last year and while the students were promoted to new classes without exams last year, it will not be the same this year.
Shafqat Mehmood, Minister for Education announced that no student will be promoted to new classes without sitting for exams this year. Because of this, students across the country are asking HEC to consider holding online exams.
Latest on Decision Regarding Online Exams
Former Chairman of the HEC, Mukhtar Ahmed revealed on Thursday that online exams cannot be held in Pakistan at the moment. He made this statement while talking to GEO Pakistan when he was talking about universities and schools opening across the country in February.
Students have protested against this decision in big cities like Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad. They demand their annual exams to be taken online, their classes should be online and they are also demanding a discount on tuition fees across the board.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said, “prerogative of the concerned authority or the teacher to decide how it wants to take the exam. There are multiple assessment methods including online but the demand by the students that exams be taken according to their wishes is not justified and it sends a wrong message to the world. It shows a lack of confidence between students and teachers.”
He also said, “Online teaching included lecture delivery, students’ participation in the class, and content development for maximum understanding. There’s a need for training of teachers but it would take time. They are still not ready for this and the authorities should have taken this seriously during the previous lockdown.”
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafaqaat has taken notice of this protest by students. On his request, HEC official are now reconsidering their decision and have asked for 3 days to resolve this issue.
