In an ongoing heated discussion regarding Cambridge exams postponement in Pakistan amid third wave of coronavirus, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood is disappointed with the students who used foul language but celebrities stepped forward in his support.
In an interview, the education minister said that the language used by students against government’s decision to continue with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) exams was very disenchanting.
Taking to his Twitter handle, Shafqat Mahmood confirmed postponement of Cambridge exams in the country but not cancellation.
Addressing health concerns of students and parents All exams cancelled till June 15 and depending on the spread of the disease may even go further. Cambridge exams postponed till Oct/Nov for all grades. Only exception for those in A2 who have a compulsion to take exam now
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 27, 2021
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Replying to the education minister’s decision, students used different tactics to get his attention and some of them were threatening.
You don’t have to take a risk of conducting exams right now in this critical condition. Give Teacher Assessed Grading. Otherwise you will end up in Jail.
— SHAK. (@aestheticshak) April 27, 2021
This country will never prosper under this backward thinking where exams are everything. Firstly you were prepared to risk our physical health for exams and now you’re risking our mental health especially the A2 students for “Exams” when TAG’s have been available for a while
— Elite Martial🇵🇰 (@MysticalMartial) April 27, 2021
When 9/10 countries from zone 4 chose SAGs, then why not Pakistani students are getting their right. At the end we have to compete with other countries and our students will not be able to perform due to this pandemic trauma. @Shafqat_Mahmood #ShafqatSbGetUsSAGs
— shahzaib akhtar khan (@amksakma) April 29, 2021
Many started a Twitter trend #ShafqatSbGetUsSAGs and requested him to opt for School Assessed Grades (SAGs), a measure also backed by various renowned educational institutions.
The request was also stressed by social activist Jibran Nasir, who advocated cancellation of Cambridge exams in the Sindh High Court (SHC).
#ShafqatSbGetUsSAGs.
The list of Schools supporting #SchoolAssessedGrades will keep increasing. How many will you deny, criticise & deem inferior in wisdom compared to you and the provincial ministers? Dont waste more time get us SAGs. Students please trend#ShafqatSbGetUsSAGs— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) April 29, 2021
After the education minister expressed his discontent the way students have addressed him, many celebrities including Ayesha Omar, Sami Khan, and Mashal Khan jumped in to support him.
Dear Students.
Criticism and difference of opinion does NOT mean one needs to be disrespectful. We can get our point across with respect. Let’s try to regulate and stabilise our emotions in stressful situations. It’s better for us and others. Positive manifestations also help.— Ayesha Omar (@ayesha_m_omar) April 29, 2021
