KARACHI: Once again, allegations of corruption and irregularities have rocked the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) as the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has launched a formal investigation into claims that board officials changed examination centres reportedly to benefit certain private schools during the 2026 annual exams.

The fresh inquiry comes at a time when a parallel investigation is already underway into the past examination results, following allegations that board officials had tampered with or altered students’ results in exchange for bribes.

In two recent letters, the ACE has directed Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan Chutto to produce the original record within two days and ensure the appearance of a “well-informed and responsible officer/official” before the inquiry officer for recording of a statement.

The inquiry officer has also sought the complete record of the SSC annual examinations, particularly details of the procedure for fixing and allocating examination centres “for the purpose of comparison and examination of the procedure adopted during the previous SSC Annual Examinations”.

Controller asked to produce SSC annual exam records, centre details and list of cancelled centres before ACE officer within two day

For 2026 exams, the ACE says the board initially fixed 559 examination centres, but subsequently around 147 centres were cancelled and 117 new centres were created.

It has also taken the note of approximately 72 requests from private schools and institutions seeking changes relating to examination centres.

The ACE has separately demanded the record of the 147 cancelled centres, including dates and reasons for the cancellation.

Similar details have been demanded for the 117 newly created centres, including their date of creation, justification, candidate allocation and physical capacity.

“The ACE action follows a departmental inquiry ordered by Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahu after allegations surfaced regarding the mismanagement of examination centres during the 2026 matriculation examinations,” said an official while referring to the background of the anti-corruption inquiry.

“A high-level departmental committee was subsequently constituted to investigate the matter. The committee included the incumbent BSEK chairman, Professor Musharraf Rajpoot. The committee conducted an inquiry into the conduct of senior officers and the functioning of the examination wing.

The committee reportedly held the then administrative secretary of BSEK, Dr Naveed Ahmed, responsible for administrative negligence, failure to implement board policies and concealment of legal decisions, and recommended departmental proceedings and consideration of his suitability to remain in office.”

The committee, he said, also criticised the controller of examinations, Ahmed Khan Chutto, stating that he had changed examination centres without proper approval or justification shortly before examinations.

“The committee recommended his immediate suspension and initiation of departmental proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline rules,” added the official.

In the case of former controller Imran Tariq Butt, who has remained suspended for around two years over allegations relating to alteration of examination results, the committee reportedly found a prima facie case of corruption, misconduct and criminal wrongdoing and described him as a “central figure” in the examination-centre controversy.

“The committee also recommended that two assistant controllers be barred from performing duties in the examination department for five years. The minister approved the departmental inquiry report and referred the matter to the ACE,” said the official.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2026