In the wake of a severe smog crisis in Punjab, the provincial government has decided to press forward with the scheduled intermediate second annual examinations, demonstrating a resolute commitment to maintaining educational continuity.
Despite the ongoing smart lockdown imposed in seven of the worst-affected districts, the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Lahore and Gujranwala are determined to conduct these essential exams as planned.
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of critical measures taken to protect public health in the smog-hit regions. From November 9 to November 12, a strategic lockdown has been enforced, effectively halting all activities, except for essential services, in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Narowal districts.
The Punjab Higher Education Department, in a notification issued on Wednesday, confirmed that the intermediate second annual examinations will proceed as per the original schedule.
The exams are set to take place on November 10 and 11, 2023, covering a range of subjects, including Biology, Mathematics, Adeeb-Alam Fazil (Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, and Pashto), Health and Physical Education, Nursing, Economics, Principles of Commerce, Military Science, and various languages.
The Department of Higher Education Punjab's notification emphasizes that "HSSC second annual exams will be conducted as per the original schedule under the jurisdiction of Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Lahore and Gujranwala."