KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has ordered a Re-Take of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) within 4 weeks, following a petition related to irregularities.
As per media report, the court emphasized that no games should be played and stated, “We cannot let a sword hang over the children’s heads.”
The petitions against the alleged irregularities in the MDCAT were heard before a bench headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, comprising Justice Amjad Ali Sahito.
The court noted that it had previously ordered the formation of a committee. “Did the committee do some work or sleep at home?” the court questioned. Shireen Narejo, the chairperson of the committee, submitted the report to the court.
The court observed that the primary responsibility lay with PMDC and Dow University. “The purpose of the testing agency is different; you trap the universities. Sometimes, Jinnah gave responsibility to Sindh University and sometimes to Dow University.”
Shireen Narejo stated that the committee had reviewed Dow University’s examination system. The statements and evidence of the petitioners were also examined. Some students approached the court, requesting that the exam not be repeated.
Their statements were also recorded. The committee’s investigation identified loopholes in the examination system, noting that the system was compromised at various points. A total of forty-two individuals were involved in the examination process.
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The court inquired, “The mechanism has been compromised; does that mean the paper was leaked?” Shireen Narejo confirmed that answers and various questions were found on WhatsApp.
Justice Salahuddin remarked, “No games should be played with the children sitting in the examination. We cannot let a sword hang over their heads.”
PMDC’s counsel stated that they are investigating who is responsible in this matter. An inquiry is also underway regarding the paper’s release.
Justice Salahuddin Panhwar commented, “You are playing into the hands of powerful people. You have no authority over other universities.”
The lawyer argued that Limz and other universities also fall under the PMDC’s regulation. The court questioned how much money was received concerning these exams. The PMDC counsel responded that he did not have an account at that moment.
Justice Amjad Ali Sahito remarked, “You must have received more than 4.5 crores.” Justice Salahuddin Panhwar added, “Your authority seems to only work on poor people.” The PMDC counsel stated that they have an agreement with the university under which they operate.
Justice Panhwar remarked that if the PMDC resigned, the matter would be different. The court gave a summary judgment on the petitions, ordering the concerned authorities to re-examine within 4 weeks. A detailed decision will be announced later.
