PESHAWAR: As 9th and 10th-grade annual examinations continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a wave of violence broke out in Darra Adam Khel after students launched a series of attacks on examination staff and property in response to strict anti-cheating protocols.
The unrest began when students expressed frustration over being prevented from copying during an exam organised by the Kohat Board. According to the Education Department, students felt “in trouble” due to the staff’s uncompromising stance and allegedly harsh behaviour regarding the enforcement of examination rules. The situation rapidly escalated as angry protesters first blocked main roads before storming Government High School Darra Adam Khel and Government High School Shelki Wal.
During the riots, students vandalised the two examination centres, damaging official records and school property. The violence also targeted the personnel on-site, with students assaulting examination staff and the inspection teams tasked with monitoring the halls. Several vehicles belonging to the staff and inspectors were also significantly damaged during the chaos.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against those responsible for the vandalism and physical assault. Police sources confirmed that the legal case covers the destruction of property, the attack on staff, and the disruption of public order. Despite the unrest, authorities have signalled that the crackdown on cheating will remain a priority as the examination cycle continues throughout the province.
