KARACHI: Following petitions raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the process of conducting the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held for admissions to government medical and dental institutions, the Sindh High Court has ordered a re-conduct of the exam within the next four weeks.
During the proceedings, the court examined the progress of a previously established committee, questioning if any substantial action had been taken.
Presenting a report, committee chairperson Shereen Narejo said the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and Dow University of Health Sciences bear the primary responsibility for the MDCAT examination.
The court indicated that if no irregularities were identified in the report, the petitioners would have an opportunity to argue their cases.
Mr Narejo reported that the committee had evaluated the examination system at Dow University, reviewed statements, and examined evidence submitted by the petitioners, and acknowledged that some students had voiced objections to retaking the exam, which were also taken into account.
However, the inquiry revealed substantial flaws in the examination process, with around 40 to 42 individuals allegedly involved in irregularities.
The court said the exam mechanism had been compromised, citing evidence of potential paper leaks, with questions and answers reportedly shared on WhatsApp. In response to these findings, the court has mandated a retake of the MDCAT within one month.