Government Launches Cybercrime Probe Into Cambridge Paper Leak Case in Pakistan
May 15, 2026The federal government has decided to launch a cybercrime probe into the Cambridge examination paper controversy after British officials indicated that the issue likely involved stolen exam materials rather than a direct hacking of Cambridge systems.
The matter was discussed in an important meeting led by Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha. Representatives from the education ministry, foreign ministry, British Council, Cambridge Assessment International Education, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also attended the session.
According to officials, the British deputy high commissioner shared early findings suggesting that the papers were probably obtained through theft instead of a technical breach within Cambridge’s examination network.
The controversy created anxiety among O Level and AS Level students in Pakistan after several mathematics papers were reportedly circulated on social media before the official exam timings.
During the meeting, the interior secretary instructed the NCCIA to cooperate with Cambridge authorities in tracing the people responsible for spreading the papers online.
Officials further agreed that Cambridge would improve and review its examination security system to remove possible weaknesses and ensure safer handling of exam papers in the future.
These developments followed another confirmed incident in which an AS Level Mathematics paper in Pakistan was shared before the examination. Previously, Cambridge had admitted that an AS Level Mathematics paper taken on April 29 had been compromised, leading to a retake exam scheduled for June 9.
In addition, Cambridge postponed another mathematics paper that was due on May 15 as a precaution because of increasing concerns on social media.
The examination board called the incidents “unprecedented” and stated that organized criminal groups appeared to be trying to disrupt exams and harm students’ academic careers. Cambridge also announced that legal action is being taken against those involved in distributing the papers.