Comprehensive steps taken for MDCAT

PESHAWAR: Commissioner of Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mahsud has finalized security and logistical arrangements for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT), scheduled to take place on September 22.

Measures, including the suspension of mobile phone services and the installation of signal jammers at the examination centres, have been implemented to ensure a fair and transparent testing environment for the 19,000 candidates expected to appear.

To prevent cheating, mobile phone towers in the vicinity of examination centers will be temporarily shut down for four hours during the test, following a formal request to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Additionally, jammers will be installed inside all exam halls to block mobile signals. In line with Section 144, a ban has been imposed on public gatherings near the centers to maintain order and minimize disruptions.

A detailed traffic management plan has been developed to ensure smooth vehicular movement around the centers, while law enforcement officers, including police and lady police, will be deployed to safeguard candidates and staff.

The SP Security has been tasked with finalizing security protocols, while the deputy commissioner of Peshawar has been directed to oversee the administrative arrangements, delegating individual responsibilities to Assistant Commissioners at each of the six examination centers in the city.

As part of anti-cheating measures, CCTV cameras will monitor both the interior and exterior of examination halls. The district administration has been instructed to supervise the installation and functionality of this surveillance system.

Addressing a preparatory meeting attended by key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Registrar Khyber Medical University, SP Security, and SP Special Branch, the commissioner stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination.

Riaz Khan Mahsud emphasized that maintaining transparency and order during the MDCAT exam was a priority and announced that he would personally oversee operations on the test day.

He issued directives canceling the scheduled leave of district administration staff and other relevant officials on September 22 to ensure seamless execution of all plans.The MDCAT exam will take place at six designated centres in Peshawar, with strict monitoring to ensure a smooth, transparent, and secure testing process.