BISE Bannu and DI Khan Postpone This Week's Exams Amid Security Concerns
BISE Bannu and DI Khan Postpone This Week’s Exams Amid Security Concerns
BISE Bannu has postponed the Secondary School Certificate Annual-II and Oriental Languages papers scheduled for this week, citing the security situation and the suspension of mobile phone and internet services across its jurisdiction.
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Bannu called off the papers set for October 7, 8, 9 and 10 through a notification issued by the board chairman on October 3. The board’s jurisdiction covers Bannu, Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan.
According to the notification, the prevailing security situation and the suspension of communication services could disrupt the receipt and dissemination of roll numbers, duty letters and examination stationery, and would make the transparent conduct of the papers difficult. Heads of institutions, supervisory staff and candidates have been directed to take note of the decision.
Why BISE Bannu postponed the papers
The board said the postponed papers would be rescheduled later through a separate date sheet, while the remaining examinations would continue according to the announced schedule. The decision affects thousands of students appearing in the second annual matriculation examinations in the three districts.
The move comes against a difficult security backdrop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies shows the province saw a particularly sharp rise in the lethality of militant violence in September, with the total number of attacks across Pakistan last month the highest monthly tally recorded in 12 years.
Mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in parts of the province as authorities manage the security situation, including around the PTI’s ongoing long march. The blackout directly affects examination logistics, which depend on communication networks for the distribution of papers, staff coordination and monitoring.
DI Khan board pushes matric exams to October 12
BISE Dera Ismail Khan has also postponed its annual matriculation examinations that were scheduled for October 7 to 10, for the same reason. According to the board’s Controller of Examinations, Qaiser Anwar, the examinations will now commence on October 12.
Mobile phone services in DI Khan have been suspended for three days. No official explanation has been given for the suspension, which has disrupted daily life and business in the district alongside the examination calendar.
The back-to-back postponements underline how the security measures sweeping the province are spilling into civilian life. Students and parents in both board jurisdictions now face uncertainty over revised schedules, with BISE Bannu yet to announce new dates for its postponed papers.
Which BISE Bannu papers have been postponed?
The SSC Annual-II and Oriental Languages Examination 2026 papers scheduled for October 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been postponed. The remaining papers will be held according to the original date sheet.
When will the postponed BISE DI Khan exams be held?
BISE DI Khan’s annual matriculation examinations, originally set for October 7 to 10, will now commence on October 12, according to the board’s Controller of Examinations.
Why were the exams postponed?
Both boards cited the suspension of mobile phone and internet services, alongside the prevailing security situation. BISE Bannu said the blackout could disrupt the distribution of roll numbers, duty letters and stationery, and affect transparent conduct of the examinations.
