The Government of Punjab has initiated a significant step towards modernizing the province’s educational assessment framework by establishing a seven-member Chief Minister’s Task Force on Examinations. The task force aims to revamp the current assessment processes of the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) and the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs), aligning them with contemporary educational standards.
According to a notification obtained by Dawn News, the task force will be led by educationist Muzamil Mehmood. The panel includes high-ranking officials such as the special secretaries of the School and Higher Education Departments, the managing director of the Punjab Curriculum & Textbook Board, the CEO of the PEC, the secretary of BISE Lahore, and additional members co-opted by the chairperson.
The primary mandate of the task force is to conduct a comprehensive review of the current assessment and examination processes used by the PEC and BISEs. This review will identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing system, comparing these processes with those of the Agha Khan Board, the Cambridge System, and other provinces.
In addition to the review, the task force will propose a detailed framework and interventions to enhance the examination system. This includes outlining the benefits of the suggested changes and providing a roadmap for integrating the new examination system and assessment methods under the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen.
An anonymous task force member revealed that a previous government had also attempted to reform the assessment system and had developed a policy. However, the current administration aims to amend this policy, focusing on evaluating its effectiveness and addressing any weaknesses rather than completely overhauling it.
The source expressed concerns about the lack of continuity in long-term policies, noting that each new government tends to change the assessment policy, leading to repetitive and often unproductive efforts. They recommended that the government consider aligning the examination system with international standards by introducing O and A levels in the province, rather than continuing with the matriculation and FSc systems. The source argued that the matriculation and FSc systems in Pakistan are not recognized by international institutions due to their outdated curriculum, which does not meet the demands of the current digital age.
The establishment of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Examinations marks a crucial step towards addressing these issues and enhancing the educational standards in Punjab. As the task force begins its work, educators and students alike await the anticipated improvements in the province’s assessment system.