RAWALPINDI: Annual examinations, results, and new admissions have formally begun across all public and private schools in the Rawalpindi division.
The Education Department has imposed a ban on the sale of textbooks, notebooks, stationery, uniforms, badges, and ties within private schools of all sizes.
The department has made it clear that neither school administrations can sell these items on campus nor can they enter into collusion with shopkeepers. Any institution found involved in such practices may face fines or even cancellation of registration.
Schools are also prohibited from directing students to specific vendors for purchasing books, notebooks, or uniforms. Strict action will be taken on such complaints. Students are free to purchase these items from any shop in open markets, a move aimed at encouraging competition among vendors and making supplies more affordable.
However, parents and students have complained that major school chains continue to sell books, stationery, and uniforms through their own outlets. They also alleged that prices of textbooks, stationery, and uniforms have doubled compared to last year.
A parent, Nasir Mehmood, said education officials are aware of which schools are involved in such practices.
The newly appointed Executive Officer of the District Education Authority Rawalpindi stated that daily monitoring of schools will be carried out and action will be taken against those found responsible.
Strict SOPs enforced for matric exams
Acting Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi, Aamir Khattak, has issued directives to conduct the Matriculation (First Annual) Examinations 2026 under a strict zero-tolerance policy, ensuring a transparent, well-organised and merit-based process.
All district administrations across the Rawalpindi Division have been instructed to implement comprehensive measures to guarantee a fair and cheating-free examination environment for all candidates.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at all examination centres, while biometric verification will be mandatory for student entry. Authorities have imposed a complete ban on bringing mobile phones, calculators, books, weapons, cigarettes and matches into examination halls.
Deputy Commissioners have also enforced Section 144, prohibiting the presence of unauthorised individuals and the carrying of books or notes within examination premises. Entry of non-essential persons has been restricted within a 100-metre radius of all centres.
According to the Controller of Examinations, Tanveer Asghar Awan, a total of 401 examination centres have been established for the Matric (First Annual) Examinations 2026. These include 148 centres for female candidates, 138 for male candidates, and 113 combined centres, in addition to two centres set up within prisons.
All examination staff have been appointed, and arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examinations have been finalised. Roll number slips have been issued to all candidates. Private candidates have received their slips at the addresses provided in their application forms, while those of regular candidates have been uploaded to their respective institutions’ portals.
Regular candidates have been advised to collect their roll number slips from their institutions, while private candidates may download theirs from the board’s official website using their B-Form number or online application number.
The Punjab government has directed strict adherence to examination standard operating procedures (SOPs). High-risk and sensitive examination centres will be monitored through online surveillance systems, and biometric attendance will be mandatory to maintain full transparency. The examinations are scheduled to commence on March 27, 2026.
News Published in Express Tribune on March 19th, 2026.
