In a remarkable turn of events, a government school student from Karachi has secured the top position in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part 2 Science exams, marking the first time in 28 years that a student from the public education sector has achieved this feat. This historic achievement has been celebrated widely, as it reflects a resurgence in the quality of education provided by government schools in Karachi.
The Karachi Board of Secondary Education announced the results for the Matric Science group for 2024, and Hafiz Abdul Rafay Tariq, a student of Delhi Government Boys Secondary School in Karimabad, emerged as the top scorer with an impressive 1,040 out of 1,100 marks, which is 94.55%. Abdul Rafay’s success is particularly noteworthy as it breaks the longstanding trend of private schools dominating the top positions in the city. The last time a government school student topped these exams was in 1996, when another student from the same institution, Delhi Government Boys School,
This achievement is significant not just for the student, but for the government school system in Karachi, which has faced criticism in recent years for declining standards. It demonstrates that with dedicated students and faculty, public schools can compete on an equal footing with their private counterparts. Abdul Rafay’s father, Tariq Mahboob, a mathematics teacher at the same school, has been praised for his role in nurturing his son’s academic excellence.
The second and third positions were secured by students from private schools: Rumaissa Imran from Al-Khalil Model School in Malir, with 1,037 marks (94.27%), and Rukhsar Abdullah from Little Folks School in North Nazimabad, with 1,025 marks (93.18%)
The 2024 SSC Science exams saw 162,026 students participate, with an overall pass rate of 81.24%. This year’s results were met with mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment over the delayed announcement. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of Abdul Rafay has inspired many, showcasing that with the right effort and guidance, government schools can once again produce top-tier scholars
Conclusion,
Hafiz Abdul Rafay Tariq’s achievement marks a turning point for government schools in Karachi, providing hope that public education can regain its stature. His success is a testament to the hard work of students and teachers alike, proving that excellence in education is achievable regardless of the type of school attended.