Number of measures introduced to facilitate students with dyslexia during examinations, NA body told

ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP):The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training that, pursuant to the recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Dyslexia, a number of measures have been introduced to facilitate students with dyslexia during examinations. These measures include provision of additional time and assistance in reading the question paper to students requiring such support.

The 26th meeting of the committee was held under the Acting Chairmanship of Anjum Aqeel Khan, Member National Assembly (MNA) at Parliament House, here, said a press release on Monday.

The Committee stressed the need for regular psychological support and the availability of trained remedial teachers in educational institutions to identify learning difficulties at an early stage and provide appropriate assistance to affected students in the classroom.

A Committee Member further informed that legislation relating to dyslexia has also been enacted by the Punjab Assembly, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and uniform approach to address the educational needs of children with dyslexia.

The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) informed the Committee that, being a coordinating forum for educational boards across the country, it would take up the matter with all Boards to promote uniform measures and ensure that appropriate facilities and support mechanisms for students with dyslexia are adopted nationwide.

Meanwhile, the committee deferred the government Bill on the “Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences (Amendment) Bill, 2026” to next meeting of the committee.

On the issue of growing menace of narcotics in educational institutions, the Committee expressed grave concern over the issue and observed that the increasing reports of drug use and supply among students requires immediate, coordinated and result-oriented action by the concerned authorities.

The Committee stressed on the need for an effective coordination mechanism among the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Police, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to identify the sources of drug supply and prevent the involvement of criminal elements in and around educational institutions.

The Committee emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring a safe, secure and drug-free learning environment requires a coordinated response involving educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities, with clear responsibilities, effective monitoring and strict enforcement.

The Committee sought comprehensive and verified data on reported cases of drug use and supply in educational institutions, including the number and nature of cases, action taken by the concerned authorities, the mechanism adopted for inter-agency coordination, and details of the penalties and punishments awarded to those found involved.

 The Committee observed that mere establishment of committees and formulation of policies would not be sufficient unless accompanied by effective implementation, regular monitoring and visible action against those responsible for supplying narcotics to students.

The Committee was informed that Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees have been established in higher educational institutions to monitor and address issues relating to drug and tobacco use among students.

 The Committee, however, stressed that such institutional mechanisms must be strengthened and linked with law-enforcement and regulatory authorities to ensure timely reporting, investigation and action in cases involving narcotics.

The Committee was presented with beneficiaries who had successfully qualified the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. The beneficiaries shared their experiences with the Committee and informed that they would proceed with the remaining requirements, including visa screening and other formalities, to pursue employment opportunities abroad.

The Committee stressed the need to make the training programmes of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) more outcome-oriented and aligned with international labour market requirements.

The Committee observed that the global employment landscape is changing rapidly, particularly in the Middle East, and emphasized the importance of continuously assessing emerging demand for skilled manpower in international markets.

The Committee further stressed that NAVTTC should align and regularly update its training programmes in accordance with evolving global demand, particularly in sectors offering employment opportunities abroad, so that Pakistani youth are equipped with market-relevant skills, internationally recognized qualifications and greater prospects for decent employment in foreign labour markets.

Regarding the reported leakage of Cambridge examination papers, the Committee was informed that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), after examining the matter, found no evidence to establish that the leakage had originated from Pakistan.

The Committee was further informed that the NCCIA does not have direct access to servers located abroad, which limits its ability to independently trace the source, location and mechanism of any alleged leakage occurring through overseas servers.

The Committee was informed that approximately 200–250 cases of Grade-14 teachers are currently pending and under process. The Committee emphasized the need for their expeditious disposal and timely completion. The Ministry assured the Committee that necessary steps would be taken to address and resolve all pending cases at the earliest.

The meeting was attended by MNA’s including Mr. Anjum Aqeel Khan, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Syed Sami-Ul-Hasan Gilani, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Mr. Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Aliya Kamran and Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi (Parliamentary Secretary M/o FE&PT). The meeting was also attended by the officials of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, officials of Higher Education Commission HEC and other officers concerned.