LAHORE: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore on Monday announced a ban on the uploading and sharing of guess papers, pairing schemes, and old or previous question papers on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups ahead of ninth class exams.

Commissioner and BISE Lahore Chairman Zaid Bin Maqsood took notice of the circulation of such materials by government and private teachers, as well as individuals operating WhatsApp groups.

He issued a directive as the ninth class examinations commence from March 25 (today) in Lahore and other boards of the province.

BISE Lahore Controller Examination Muhammad Zahid issued a letter available with Dawn which banned circulation of guess papers etc.

Its states, according to Section 3(a) (iv), (x), and (xii) of the University and Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education Act, 1950 (amended in 1999), sharing these materials is considered a criminal offense. Violators may face imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of Rs50,000.

Additionally, those found guilty of disseminating such content on social media will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

Chairman Zaid Bin Maqsood also issued notifications to all government and private educational institutions, directing principals and headmasters to ensure compliance.

He said no negligence will be tolerated during the ongoing matriculation and intermediate examinations.

The board urged teachers and administrators to refrain from sharing any examination-related materials on social media and warned of strict legal action against violators.

The move aimed to maintain the integrity of the examination process and prevent the spread of misinformation.

However, objective guess papers of English subject were available on different WhatsApp groups and social media websites. Earlier, as many as 32,243 candidates appeared in the 10th grade annual examination in Punjab concluded last week.

According to details, 120 UMC cases, 14 impersonations and 19 criminal cases were registered over different violations in the province.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2025