Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan has demanded an independent retest for the top 100 candidates of MDCAT 2026 following allegations of examination irregularities and poor management. He has urged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to investigate students’ complaints and ensure transparency in the medical entrance examination.
In a letter to PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj, Monem raised concerns about the examination arrangements in Karachi. He called for an investigation into complaints about examination centres, answer keys and the handling of results.
Concerns Over Karachi Examination Centres
Monem claimed that around 9,500 candidates from Karachi were accommodated at only two examination centres, both located on University Road. He compared these arrangements with Peshawar, which reportedly had 19 centres, and Lahore, which had six.
According to the JI leader, the limited number of centres created difficulties for students and their families, forcing many candidates to travel long distances to reach their examination venues.
He also alleged that candidates had to wait for extended periods in hot weather. Some students reportedly remained seated for up to eight hours, raising concerns about the conditions in which the examination was conducted.
Questions Raised Over Paper and Answer Keys
The JI Karachi chief also questioned the appointment of IBA Sukkur to conduct the examination. He raised objections to instructions requiring candidates to return their question papers after completing the test.
Monem further highlighted complaints regarding the Biology, Chemistry and Physics answer keys, particularly those associated with paper codes A and D.
He called for an independent investigation into these concerns, including allegations that results may have been changed. These claims require examination by the relevant authorities, and no findings confirming wrongdoing were provided in the available information.
Demand for Transparency in Examination Funds
Monem also demanded a transparent account of the funds collected for MDCAT 2026. He claimed that more than Rs1.26 billion had been collected and called for clarity regarding the use of the money.
The demand comes as concerns over the examination have prompted calls for official intervention. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has separately directed the PMDC to investigate complaints related to MDCAT 2026 in Sindh.
Retest Decision Still Awaited
The demand for an independent retest of the top 100 candidates remains a proposal by Monem Zafar Khan. No official decision confirming that a retest will take place has been announced in the information provided.
The PMDC’s investigation and any subsequent decisions will be important for addressing candidates’ concerns and determining whether further action is required.
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