The British Council cancelled all afternoon examinations in Lahore on Thursday due to heightened security risks from escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Punjab’s emergency measures, including flight suspensions, underscore the volatile situation as students await rescheduling updates.
On May 8, 2025, the British Council announced the cancellation of all afternoon GCE, IGCSE, IELTS, and University of London exams in Lahore, per a social media statement reported by Geo News. The council cited “heightened security risks” amid India-Pakistan tensions.
Examination boards’ decision to prioritise candidate safety affects PM session venues citywide. Students are advised to contact schools, while private candidates should reach the Customer Services centre. No rescheduling details were provided, but updates were promised via verified channels.
Read: British Council Pakistan Confirms Exams Proceed Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
The move follows Lahore’s high-security alerts, triggered by India’s May 6 airstrikes and Pakistan’s retaliation, downing 25 Harop drones, per Reuters. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a provincial emergency, cancelling medical staff leaves and ordering district administrations to stay vigilant, per The Express Tribune.
The cancellations coincide with regional unrest after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which India baselessly linked to Pakistan, prompting airstrikes and drone attacks. Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and others faced suspensions until 6:00 PM, disrupting 57 international flights.
