In a tragic incident that unfolded on Wednesday, a student lost his life during his 11th-class board examination due to the combination of load shedding and extreme heat. The tragic incident took place at the Government Degree College situated in the Thiri region of Khairpur, Sindh. Numerous students gathered at the examination center to appear for their exams.
The student, identified as Mehtab Ali, fell unconscious while writing his exam. Prompt action was taken, and he was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts to revive him, the student tragically passed away.
Preliminary reports indicate that suffocation was the cause of death. Load shedding, which resulted in a power outage, left the students exposed to the intense heat. The temperature within the examination hall soared dramatically, resulting in an intolerable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
Earlier, the Minister for Education Board, Ismail, had emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted power supply in examination centers, particularly in light of the extreme heat prevailing in Sindh. Regrettably, this incident underscores a lack of implementation of essential measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students during vital examinations.
It is worth mentioning that the Education Department of Sindh had previously announced summer vacations across the province. According to the notification issued, all educational institutions were scheduled to commence their holidays from June 1, 2023, until July 31, 2023, with schools reopening on August 1.
Read More: Cambridge Revises A-Level Exam Schedule for Pakistan
Given the scorching heat of May, the decision to conduct exams without a reliable power supply is now being questioned in the wake of this tragic incident. It underscores the need for better planning and arrangements to protect students from such life-threatening situations.
