Abeerah Hilal

In classrooms across the world, a new kind of assistant is showing up—not a teaching aide or tutor, but Artificial Intelligence. From AI-powered writing tools like ChatGPT to math-solving apps and automatic summarizers, students now have access to technologies that can answer questions, write essays, and even take practice exams. But with these advancements comes a critical question: is AI helping students learn, or giving them new ways to cheat?

The New Digital Tutor

AI tools have brought undeniable benefits to education. They provide instant explanations, personalized feedback, and 24/7 support—something no human teacher can consistently offer. Students struggling with math, reading comprehension, or even coding can now access free or low-cost tools that adapt to their learning styles.

“AI is like having a tutor in your pocket,” says Angela Morris, a high school teacher in Toronto. “For students who need extra help or different ways of learning, it’s a game-changer.”

Apps like Duolingo use AI to tailor language lessons to a student’s progress. Platforms like Khan Academy’s AI tutor offer step-by-step help, and writing assistants help students improve grammar and clarity in real-time.

Cheating Made Easy?

But the flip side is troubling. AI can also do students’ work for them—no learning required. Students can ask AI to write essays, solve homework problems, or generate code. In some cases, entire assignments are submitted without a single original thought from the student.

Read: Is Using AI for Homework Cheating?

“Academic dishonesty has become harder to detect and easier to commit,” says Dr. Julian Ross, an education policy expert. “We’re seeing cases where students pass without understanding the material at all.”

Many schools are responding by revising academic integrity policies, using AI detection software, and placing more emphasis on in-class assessments and oral exams.

A Shifting Role for Teachers

Educators now face a balancing act: how to embrace AI’s potential without letting it undermine the learning process. Some teachers are incorporating AI into their lessons, teaching students how to use it ethically—like brainstorming essay ideas or fact-checking sources.

“It’s not about banning AI,” says Morris. “It’s about teaching students to use it responsibly—just like calculators or the internet.”

Some schools are even designing AI literacy classes to help students critically assess what AI tools do well—and where they fall short.

The Bigger Picture

The debate over AI in education mirrors a broader conversation about how we define learning. Is memorizing facts still valuable when AI can provide answers instantly? Should education focus more on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving?

AI won’t replace teachers anytime soon—but it is changing the classroom dynamic. Whether it becomes a crutch or a catalyst depends largely on how students, teachers, and institutions adapt.

Conclusion

AI in education is both a powerful learning tool and a potential shortcut. Like any tool, its value lies in how it’s used. The challenge for schools is not just to prevent cheating, but to foster a culture where curiosity, integrity, and real understanding matter more than just the right answer.

Read – Artificial Intelligence: The Creative Void

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Abeerah Hilal is a student of Mass Communication Department, University of Karachi Sindh  

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The future of Sindh’s youth and the credibility of its education system hang in the balance

From leaked question papers circulating on social media hours before the exams to blatant copying within examination centers, the methods employed are both brazen and sophisticated.

Muhammad Azram Butt

The air in examination halls across Sindh is thick with more than just the tension of impending results. For many, it’s also heavy with the unspoken reality of widespread cheating in the ongoing matriculation (Grade 10) examinations. Despite repeated assurances from education boards and stringent measures announced annually, the specter of unfair means continues to cast a long shadow over the integrity of the Sindh education system.

Reports emerging from various districts paint a concerning picture. From leaked question papers circulating on social media hours before the exams to blatant copying within examination centers, the methods employed are both brazen and sophisticated. Invigilators, often overwhelmed or allegedly complicit, struggle to maintain order. The use of mobile phones, despite being strictly prohibited, remains rampant, allowing students to access answers and communicate with those outside.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. For years, cheating in matric and intermediate examinations has been a deeply entrenched problem in Sindh. The reasons are various. A struggling education infrastructure, with overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of qualified teachers, often leaves students ill-prepared. The immense pressure to perform well, often stemming from family expectations and a highly competitive academic landscape, pushes many towards desperate measures. Furthermore, the perceived lack of accountability and the alleged involvement of certain elements within the education system further exacerbate the issue.

The consequences of this pervasive cheating culture are far-reaching. It undermines the very purpose of examinations, which are meant to be a fair assessment of a student’s knowledge and understanding. It devalues the hard work of honest students and creates an uneven playing field. Moreover, it produces graduates who may possess degrees but lack the fundamental skills and knowledge required for higher education or the job market, ultimately hindering the overall progress of the province.

The Sindh Education Boards have, in recent years, announced various measures to curb this menace. These include the implementation of Section 144 around examination centers, the deployment of surveillance cameras, and the formation of special monitoring teams. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable, as evidenced by the continued reports of cheating.

The challenge now lies in moving beyond superficial solutions and addressing the root causes. This requires a multi-pronged approach:

Strengthening the Education System: Investing in teacher training, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a conducive learning environment can better prepare students and reduce their reliance on unfair means.

Strict Enforcement and Accountability: Holding those involved in facilitating cheating, including students, invigilators, and board officials, accountable through transparent and stringent disciplinary actions is crucial.

Public Awareness and Ethical Values: Campaigns to raise awareness among students, parents, and the community about the ethical implications of cheating and the importance of academic integrity are essential.

Leveraging Technology for Prevention: Exploring advanced technological solutions, such as secure digital question paper delivery systems and AI-powered monitoring tools, could potentially help in preventing leaks and detecting cheating in real-time.

Community Involvement: Engaging parents, community leaders, and civil society organizations in monitoring examinations and promoting ethical conduct can create a collective responsibility.

The future of Sindh’s youth and the credibility of its education system hang in the balance. While the battle against cheating in matric exams is a long and arduous one, a concerted and sincere effort involving all stakeholders is the only way to dismantle this deeply ingrained culture of deception and pave the way for a fair and equitable education for all. The echoes of scratching pens in examination halls should represent genuine effort, not the rustling of illicit notes, if Sindh’s educational foundation is to be truly strong.

Read: Using Unfair Means in Exams: Causes, Consequences and Remedies

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Muhammad Azram Butt is a student of mass communication at University of Karachi

The post Confronting the Cheating Menace in Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Prof Dr. Abdullah G Arijo

The involvement of Liaquat Ali Chatha, the former commissioner of Rawalpindi, in the 2024 Pakistan elections is being scrutinized. As per media reports, Chatha stepped down from his position on February 17, 2024, after confessing to manipulating the elections in favor of certain candidates. He further alleged that the chief election commissioner and chief justice were also involved in the conspiracy. Expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging the betrayal of the people of Rawalpindi, he requested to be held accountable for his wrongdoing. The Election Commission of Pakistan rejected Chatha’s allegations and said it would launch a probe into the matter. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been protesting against the alleged rigging and demanding a re-election. The results of the February 8 polls gave a narrow victory to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The recent confession made by Chatha has sparked concerns regarding the legitimacy and openness of the electoral system in Pakistan. This has further contributed to the prevailing political unrest and ambiguity within the nation. The results of the upcoming 2024 elections will hold immense significance in shaping the course of democracy, stability, and security in Pakistan. More or less all elections in Pakistan. Have been controversial. Pakistan has a long history of controversial elections, marked by allegations of rigging, violence, censorship, and military interference.

The recent confession made by Chatha has sparked concerns regarding the legitimacy and openness of the electoral system in Pakistan

Here are some of the most disputed elections in Pakistan’s history.

1977: The Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), comprising nine right-wing opposition parties, leveled allegations of extensive electoral fraud against Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). As a result, the PNA initiated a widespread protest movement across the nation that unfortunately escalated into violence, ultimately resulting in martial law and the execution of Bhutto by General Zia-ul-Haq.

In 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan ousted the PPP, which was led by Benazir Bhutto, due to allegations of corruption and incompetence. The IJI, a coalition of conservative parties supported by the military and intelligence agencies, won the election amidst accusations of manipulation and bribery. A subsequent judicial inquiry uncovered that the army had provided substantial sums of money to multiple politicians to secure the PPP’s defeat.

Also read: RIGGING RUMOURS

2002: After the military coup of 1999 that toppled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and brought General Pervez Musharraf to power, the elections were held under a controversial constitutional amendment that gave Musharraf sweeping powers to dismiss the parliament and the prime minister. The Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q), a pro-Musharraf faction of Sharif’s party, emerged as the largest party, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), an alliance of religious parties, made significant gains. The PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the two main opposition parties, boycotted the presidential referendum and challenged the legitimacy of the elections.

2018: The PTI, led by former cricket star Imran Khan, won the elections with a thin majority, ending the decades-long dominance of the PPP and the PML-N. However, the elections were marred by allegations of pre-poll and post-poll rigging, media censorship, judicial bias, and military meddling. The PML-N and the PPP rejected the results and accused the establishment of engineering the elections in favor of the PTI.

2024: The most recent elections were also the most controversial in the country’s history, according to some observers. The Election Commission imposed legal barriers on the candidates of the PTI, forcing them to run as independents. The PTI claimed that the elections were rigged and refused to join a coalition government. The PML-N and the PPP also alleged widespread irregularities and manipulation. The elections were overshadowed by a countrywide mobile phone shutdown, violent attacks, and a delayed announcement of the results.

The government in Islamabad is currently in a state of uncertainty, as no single party has won a clear majority in the general elections held on Feb. 8, 2024.

The formation of a new government in Islamabad has been facing difficulty since the 2024 general elections, which resulted in a hung parliament. No single party or alliance secured a clear majority in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, emerged as the largest party with 105 seats, but fell short of the required 172 seats to form the government. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s brother Shehbaz Sharif, came second with 95 seats, followed by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, with 54 seats.

The latest on the PPP PMLN alliance on election 2024 is that they have reached a formal agreement to form a new coalition government, with Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister and Asif Zardari as the president. They have also announced their joint candidate for the speaker of the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah. The alliance has claimed to have the support of 175 members in the 266-seat lower house of parliament.

The alliance has faced criticism from Imran Khan’s PTI party, which has accused them of being “mandate thieves” and challenged the election results in the courts. The PTI has also demanded the resignation of the head of the Election Commission, Sikandar Sultan Raja, for allegedly failing to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner.

The PPP PMLN alliance has said that their aim is to address the country’s economic crisis and restore democracy and the rule of law. They have also vowed to work with other parties and stakeholders for the stability and prosperity of Pakistan.

The government in Islamabad is currently in a state of uncertainty, as no single party has won a clear majority in the general elections held on Feb. 8, 2024. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was detained in 2022, emerged as the largest party with 93 seats but fell short of the 169 seats required to form a government. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) of another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, came in second with 75 seats, followed by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with 54 seats.

The political parties have until Feb. 29, 2024, to form a coalition government or face a hung parliament. There are several possible scenarios for the formation of the next government, such as:

A coalition between the PMLN and the PPP, along with some smaller parties and independent candidates. This would give them a two-thirds majority in the parliament and the ability to choose the next prime minister and president. However, this would also require them to overcome their ideological differences and agree on a power-sharing formula.

A coalition between the PTI and some smaller parties and independent candidates. This would give them a simple majority in the parliament and the chance to form a minority government. However, this would also make them vulnerable to defections and instability, as well as face opposition from the PMLN and the PPP.

Also read: New setup in sight but rocky road ahead for Pakistan’s new government

A coalition between the PTI and the PMLN, or the PTI and the PPP. This would give them a comfortable majority in the parliament and the opportunity to form a national unity government. However, this would also require them to set aside their bitter rivalry and personal animosity, as well as compromise on their policy agendas.

The speculations about the outcome of the government formation are varied and uncertain, as the political parties are still engaged in negotiations and consultations. The final decision will depend on the preferences and interests of the party leaders, the military, the judiciary, and the public. The next government will also have to deal with the challenges of the economy, the pandemic, the security, and the foreign relations of Pakistan.

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Prof. (R) Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is Advisor and Visiting Professor, SBBUVAS, Sakrand, Pakistan. He is Ex-Chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University and Ex-Advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor SAU Tandojam

The post CHATHA CHEATING first appeared on Sindh Courier.

SHOUKAT LOHAR

Cheating in examination is rampant in the education system in Sindh. It is a form of academic dishonesty that involves obtaining or attempting to obtain an unfair advantage over others by using illegitimate means. Cheating can take many forms, including copying from others, using unauthorized materials, and communicating with others during the exam.

It is often considered to be a serious offense and can lead to severe consequences, including suspension, dismissal, or even criminal charges.

Causes, consequences and remedies

Firstly, it is essential to understand that combating the cheating in examination is not solely the responsibility of the students, teachers, parents, or society.

In reality, educational authorities and institutions bear significant responsibility for creating an environment that discourages cheating.

The current education system heavily focuses on grades, achievements, and rankings rather than learning and personal development. This creates a culture of competition and pressure that drives students to cheat to obtain good grades and secure their futures.

Moreover, the lack of effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in schools and colleges provides ample opportunities for students to cheat. Therefore, authorities must take the necessary steps to reform the education system and enforce strict regulations on cheating.

Secondly, the worsening state of public education is another major contributor to the prevalence of cheating in educational institutions located in Sindh.

The declining quality of education in public schools has forced many students to seek admission in private schools, which are often considered to provide better facilities and opportunities. This has led to the rise of the private education sector, which has become a profitable business in Sindh as well as across the country. Private schools often charge high fees and cater to the elite class, creating a divide between the rich and poor. Therefore, it is important to focus on improving the quality of public education sector and bridging the educational gap between different sections of society to reduce the demand for private schools.

Educational institutions need to enforce strict regulations and penalties for cheating

Thirdly, it is important to note that not all educational institutions allow cheating. For example, cadet colleges, FG colleges which are known for their academic and disciplinary standards, strictly prohibit cheating and impose severe penalties on offenders. Similarly, many universities have implemented strict measures to prevent cheating, such as setting different exam papers for each student and using anti-cheating software. Therefore, it is necessary to learn from these institutions and adopt their best practices to reduce cheating in other educational institutions.

Lastly, there are several solutions that can be implemented to prevent cheating in examination. One such solution is to educate students and raise awareness about the consequences of cheating. Many students are not aware of the harm caused by cheating and the potential consequences they may face in the future. By educating students about the importance of academic integrity and the negative effects of cheating, they can be motivated to refrain from cheating.

Another solution is to improve the quality of education by focusing on learning rather than just grades. This can be achieved by introducing innovative teaching methods, encouraging student participation, and providing opportunities for personal development. When students are motivated to learn and are not under pressure to achieve high grades, they are less likely to cheat.

Furthermore, educational institutions need to enforce strict regulations and penalties for cheating. This can include the use of anti-cheating measures as semester or sessional system in schools and colleges and organization of examination within the premises of universities, conducting surprise inspections during exams. Additionally, teachers and invigilators should be trained to identify and prevent cheating during exams.

On the whole cheating in examination is a serious problem that requires immediate attention and action. While students, teachers, parents, and society share some responsibility, it is primarily the responsibility of educational authorities and institutions to create an environment that discourages cheating. By implementing effective solutions, such as educating students, improving the quality of education, and enforcing strict regulations, we can reduce the prevalence of cheating and promote academic integrity.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

The post Using Unfair Means in Exams: Causes, Consequences and Remedies first appeared on Sindh Courier.