Paper leak: Gandapur orders inquiry after 10 arrested in ETEA test scandal

PESHAWAR: At least 10 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in paper leak during a test for the recruitment of primary teachers conducted under the Education Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.

Sources said that during the test, 10 people were apprehended during a raid at a private guesthouse.

Following this, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took notice of the incident and directed the chief secretary to conduct a thorough inquiry into the irregularities.

According to sources in the KP Higher Education Department, ETEA officials submitted a preliminary report to the provincial minister for higher education.

The report stated that during the test held at the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, one candidate walked out of the exam hall with the question paper and answer sheet.

Based on intelligence reports, ETEA officials, along with local administration and police, raided a private guesthouse and arrested 10 people allegedly involved in illegal activity related to the test.

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Authorities recovered a laptop, scanner, photocopier, 10 mobile phones, and several copies of the test papers from the suspects.

An FIR has been registered at the Mira Khel Police Station, and further investigation is under way.

Gandapur condemned the incident as a serious violation of merit and transparency and ordered a high-level inquiry.

A letter issued by the CM Secretariat instructed the chief secretary to appoint a senior officer or team to investigate the matter, identify those responsible, and recommend disciplinary action.

The CM also directed the inquiry team to examine systemic weaknesses within ETEA and ensure accountability for anyone found guilty of negligence or misconduct.

He further ordered the secretary for Primary and Secondary Education to reassess exam arrangements in all districts and deploy officers for strict oversight. The inquiry report will be submitted within 15 days.

Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, said that instructions have been issued to form a high-level committee to investigate the matter further.