KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan has demanded a retest for the top 100 candidates of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026, citing alleged irregularities and mismanagement during the examination in Sindh.
In a letter to Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) President Dr Rizwan Taj, the JI leader called for an independent investigation into students’ complaints and measures to ensure transparency in the medical and dental college admission process.
JI Questions MDCAT Examination Arrangements in Karachi
Monem Zafar criticised the decision to accommodate around 9,500 Karachi candidates at only two examination centres, both located on University Road.
He compared the arrangements with other cities, noting that Peshawar had 19 examination centres while Lahore had six. He said the limited number of centres forced many Karachi students to travel long distances, creating difficulties for candidates and their families.
Concerns Raised Over Answer Keys and Examination Papers
The JI Karachi chief also questioned the decision to assign responsibility for conducting the examination to IBA Sukkur. He said instructions concerning the return of examination papers had raised further concerns about transparency.
He highlighted complaints regarding the Biology, Chemistry and Physics answer keys, particularly those associated with paper codes A and D. He urged the PMDC to review these objections independently and investigate allegations of possible result manipulation.
JI Calls for Investigation Into MDCAT Funds
Monem Zafar also demanded a transparent account of the funds collected in connection with MDCAT 2026, claiming that the amount exceeded Rs1.26 billion.
He criticised the examination-day arrangements, saying candidates were required to report in the morning but had to wait for several hours in hot weather. According to him, some students remained at examination centres for up to eight hours.
Health Ministry Orders PMDC Inquiry
The controversy has prompted federal government action. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal previously directed the PMDC to investigate complaints concerning the transparency and fairness of MDCAT 2026 in Sindh.
The inquiry is expected to examine centre-wise results, candidates’ marks, pass rates, examination records and allegations of procedural irregularities. Authorities have been asked to determine whether any proven misconduct materially affected the examination results.
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Calls Grow for Transparency in Medical Admissions
JI’s demand for a retest comes amid wider concerns raised by students, parents and political representatives about the MDCAT process in Sindh. The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services has also called for an investigation into reported anomalies in the results.
The allegations have not, by themselves, established that the results were manipulated. An independent review would help determine whether irregularities occurred and what corrective action, if any, is necessary.
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