Breaking News: HEC Cancels Exams Nationwide Amid Law and Order Concerns – New Schedule to Be Announced Soon

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has officially postponed several nationwide exams that were scheduled for October 11 and 12, 2025, citing the deteriorating law and order situation in various parts of the country.

The decision was confirmed through an official statement released by HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC) late Friday, creating concern among thousands of students across Pakistan who were preparing for these important assessments.

This announcement affects key tests such as the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT), the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT), and the Recruitment Test for AML-CFT positions.

HEC Postpones USAT, HAT, and Recruitment Tests

According to HEC’s notification, all scheduled exams under the Education Testing Council (ETC) have been postponed until further notice.

A revised schedule will soon be shared through HEC’s official website and direct communication channels. Registered candidates are advised to regularly check their emails and the official HEC portal for updated information.

An HEC spokesperson confirmed that the safety of candidates and staff was the primary reason behind the postponement.

“Given the security situation and restricted movement in certain cities, it was not possible to hold exams as planned. New dates will be announced shortly,” the statement read.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

The decision came after widespread travel disruptions and communication breakdowns in major cities, particularly Islamabad and Rawalpindi, due to ongoing political demonstrations and protests in the capital.

According to reports, strict security measures were enforced on Friday as the government moved to control the situation. Both cities were partially locked down, with containers blocking main roads and mobile data services (3G/4G) suspended indefinitely.

Public transport, including the Metro Bus Service, was halted, while many businesses and hotels along Murree Road were temporarily closed. This made it impossible for candidates to reach examination centers or receive updates about their test status in real time.

Exams Affected by the Postponement

Exam Name	Exam Type	Status	New Schedule
USAT	Undergraduate Studies Admission Test	Postponed	To Be Announced
HAT	Higher Education Aptitude Test	Postponed	To Be Announced
AML-CFT Recruitment Test	Job Recruitment Exam	Postponed	To Be Announced

Impact on Students and Institutions

The decision has caused widespread disappointment among candidates who had been preparing for months. Many students from remote areas had already traveled to exam centers when they received the postponement notice.

Some students expressed frustration on social media, saying the announcement came too late, leaving them stranded in cities far from home. Others urged the HEC to reschedule the exams as soon as possible and provide clear communication about new dates.

Academic experts, however, supported the decision, emphasizing that student safety must come first.

“While this delay is inconvenient, conducting exams during uncertain security conditions would have posed serious risks,” said a Lahore-based education analyst.

Cities Most Affected by Exam Postponement

City	Current Situation	Exam Centers Closed
Islamabad	Lockdown, internet suspended	Multiple
Rawalpindi	Road blockages, metro closed	Multiple
Lahore	Partial disruption	Few centers
Karachi	Limited disturbance	Minor delays
Peshawar	Normal	Operational

Government Response and Security Situation

The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control issued a formal notification instructing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi until further notice.

The decision aimed to maintain security and prevent the spread of misinformation during ongoing protests. However, the suspension has disrupted not only communication but also academic and official activities across the twin cities.

Business owners, lawyers, and students alike have reported severe mobility issues, with many unable to reach workplaces, schools, or examination centers.

What Happens Next for Candidates

HEC has urged all affected candidates not to panic and assured that new test dates will be announced soon. The revised schedule will likely be shared once normal conditions are restored in the affected regions.

Students are encouraged to:

• Regularly check the official HEC website: www.hec.gov.pk
• Keep their registered email and mobile number active
• Avoid relying on unverified social media updates

Those who had already downloaded admit cards will not need to reapply; the same credentials will remain valid for the rescheduled exams.

Public Reaction

The postponement has sparked mixed reactions online.
Many appreciated the move as a necessary safety precaution, while others criticized the government for not anticipating the disruption earlier.

Education-related social media groups saw a flood of messages from concerned students seeking clarification on new dates and the validity of their admit cards.

Possible New Exam Dates

While HEC has not confirmed any official dates yet, sources suggest that the revised schedule could be announced within the next two weeks, depending on the improvement in law and order and restoration of transport services.

Officials hinted that exams may be rescheduled for late October or early November 2025, ensuring sufficient time for candidates to prepare and make travel arrangements.