KARACHI: Cambridge International Education (CIE) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the A-level mathematics paper 32 (9709) examination in Pakistan following the leak of the AS-level mathematics paper 52 (9709).
In a statement, Cambridge confirmed that its AS-level mathematics paper had been shared prematurely in violation of strict examination regulations.
“We investigate such incidents promptly and thoroughly, and we are now working to understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps,” the statement said.
CIE said it would share detailed information with schools by May 22 regarding the course of action to be adopted following the paper leak.
The examination body added that, after consultations with key stakeholders in Pakistan and as an additional security and identification measure, it had decided to postpone the A-level mathematics paper 32 (9709) exam scheduled for May 15.
According to Cambridge, the examination will now be replaced with a new paper, while a revised exam date within the June series will also be communicated by May 22.
The examination board clarified that the release date for Cambridge International AS and A-Level results on August 11 would remain unchanged.
Uzma Yousuf, Cambridge Country Director for Pakistan, said the organisation’s priority was to ensure that students were not disadvantaged by the incident.
“Our decisions about the next steps are taken by senior and experienced professionals who are in possession of all the facts,” she said.
She added that Cambridge’s primary principle was to ensure fairness and reliability in the grades awarded so that universities and other institutions could continue trusting the examination system.
The statement further described the nature of the examination paper theft in the current series as “unprecedented”.
“We believe it is the work of criminals seeking to undermine examinations and the futures of the students who depend on them. We are pursuing several legal routes to stop and punish those responsible,” Uzma said.
She noted that while Cambridge does not comment on individual reports of leaks, all allegations are investigated thoroughly.
“Leaks of papers remain rare, and where there is a genuine issue, we update schools at the right time and provide recommended next steps,” she added.
Uzma also urged students and parents to rely only on official Cambridge statements and avoid spreading misinformation, saying such speculation created unnecessary anxiety for students.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui ordered an immediate probe into the matter following reports of the alleged paper leaks.
According to state-run APP, the minister directed the chairman of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to contact Cambridge authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and safeguard students’ interests.
Expressing concern over the reports, Siddiqui said such incidents caused severe mental stress and uncertainty among students and parents, particularly for those who prepared honestly and diligently for their examinations.
Calling the matter “extremely serious”, the minister stressed that Cambridge must strengthen its examination system, security protocols and monitoring mechanisms to ensure they remained effective and tamper-proof.
He reiterated that the government would not compromise on students’ future, transparency in examinations or the protection of merit.