The recently announced Grade 9 board exam results in Punjab have sparked widespread concern after more than half of the students failed to clear the exams.
Out of nearly 380,000 candidates across the province, only 45 percent passed, while 55 percent failed to secure a passing grade. The results were especially shocking in Gulzar Jageer, the hometown of Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, where only one student out of eighteen passed.
The revelation has triggered debate over the failing state of public schools and the impact of ongoing reforms, particularly as the minister’s own constituency performed poorly.
A significant gender gap was also observed in the results. Girls performed considerably better than boys, with a 58 percent pass rate compared to only 35 percent for male students. Board-wise data painted a similarly troubling picture, with the Lahore Board recording a 45.08 percent pass rate and Faisalabad at 51.55 percent.
The Lahore Board’s breakdown showed that students in the arts group struggled the most, with 63 percent failing overall. Among them, 79 percent of boys failed compared to 53 percent of girls. In the science group, 53 percent of students failed, including 62 percent of boys and 44 percent of girls.
Private schools reported better outcomes, with 67 percent of students passing, while 60 percent of government school students failed, highlighting the challenges in the public sector.
Minister Sikandar Hayat, currently in the United States, addressed the issue on social media, stating that the results reflected the actual performance of students following the crackdown on cheating networks.
He warned that schools with consistently poor results would face strict accountability, including possible dismissal of teachers and removal of underperforming institutions from service.
At the same time, he promised recognition and rewards for schools and teachers who deliver strong results. The minister added that accountability would begin in his own tehsil, Pattoki, where lists of poorly performing schools have already been requested.
He stressed that with billions of rupees being spent on education but “almost zero output,” the government cannot afford negligence.
On X (formerly Twitter), the debate has been equally divided.
One user wrote, “In successful education systems around the world, the focus is on reform, not punishment. If they do not understand teaching methods, they are given professional training session on their own money.”
Another user pointed to wider social problems: “The issue isn’t with the teacher, parents are unable to visit school to support teachers for their children. Alone teacher difficult to make progress. Punjab Govt should work on basic needs of people and give some mental stability so people can support their children in their education.”
Some appreciated the government’s stance. “A very great initiative. Accountability would serve as deterrent. Government schools should have high standards because poor and middle class people only can afford this education system.”
Another added, “This is a strong step toward accountability and quality education! Recognizing both underperformance and excellence will truly benefit Punjab’s future generations.”
Others were sharply critical. “These are just monkey tricks. Why not let students and teachers use free AI technology to get the most available free tools? Why punish when you can use advanced tech?”
Another user wrote, “After destroying every institution now you are after education which is already in the drain. You should be focusing on skill based education rather than pushing the schools in a rat race.”
Some comments turned political.
“This is why PML-N remains the most successful political party in Pakistan. They actually get work done,” one user remarked.
Another criticised the timing of reforms: “During the school year were there no tests? Quizzes? Homework? I mean this epiphany should have happened during the school year, not at the end. Sorry but poor governance on your part.”
