Matric, intermediate exams across Pakistan cancelled: Shafqat Mehmood

ISLAMABAD: Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood has announced the cancellation of all board examinations across the country as a part of a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus.

Addressing a press conference today (Thursday), alongside Prime Minister Imran Khan, Shafqat Mehmood said that all schools, universities, and other educational institutions will remain closed till July 15.

The education minister also announced, “The students of matriculation and intermediate will be promoted for the next class on the basis of their results from the previous years.” 

He further said that the decision has been taken with the consultation of all provinces, adding that the students will be able to enroll in the next class as soon as the school reopens.

Two important decisions taken by PM Imran Khan in the NCC today. One, All educational institutions will remain closed till July 15. Two, ALL Board exams throughout the country have been cancelled. Students would be assessed on their previous performance in Board exams.

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) May 7, 2020

The federal minister said, “Students’ health and their education cannot be compromised.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the lockdown will be lifted in phases starting from Saturday, May 9.

Addressing the nation after a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC), the prime minister said, “The decision has been taken in consultation with all the provinces to ease out people’s lives.”

PM Imran Khan said that labourers, ordinary people, and small businesses had suffered a lot due to lockdown, which prompted the government to ease the curbs. He said that 35 percent of revenue collection has decreased, while exports have also come down.