The federal government has launched a formal cybercrime investigation into the ongoing Cambridge exam paper controversy in Pakistan.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha. The meeting focused on recent concerns surrounding Cambridge examination papers allegedly circulating before scheduled exam times.
Senior officials from the education ministry attended the meeting. Representatives from British Council, Cambridge Assessment International Education, the foreign ministry, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency were also present.
According to the interior ministry, British officials shared preliminary findings during the session. They indicated that the Cambridge issue may have resulted from theft of examination material rather than a direct breach of internal systems.
The controversy has created concern among O Level and AS Level students across Pakistan. Reports suggested that several mathematics papers appeared on social media before the official examination schedule.
Officials said the Interior Secretary expressed serious concern over the matter. He directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to work closely with Cambridge authorities.
The goal of the investigation is to identify individuals or groups responsible for circulating the examination papers.
During the meeting, participants also agreed on the need to strengthen examination security procedures. Cambridge officials committed to reviewing current systems and introducing stronger safeguards.
These measures are expected to improve the handling and protection of exam materials in future sessions.
The latest development follows another incident confirmed by Cambridge involving the early sharing of an AS Level Mathematics paper conducted in Pakistan.
Earlier, Cambridge had acknowledged that an AS Level Mathematics paper held on April 29 had been compromised.
Following that incident, the examination board announced a retake for affected students. The new exam is scheduled for June 9.
In another precautionary step, Cambridge also postponed a separate mathematics paper originally planned for May 15.
The examination body described the recent incidents as highly unusual. It stated that criminal networks may be attempting to disrupt examinations and harm students’ academic progress.
Cambridge has also confirmed that legal action is being pursued against those involved.
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The investigation is now expected to determine how the papers were accessed and shared. Officials hope the inquiry will restore confidence among students, parents, and educational institutions across Pakistan.
