IT was the last day of the Provincial Management Service (PMS) 2021 examination in Punjab. The sudden rainfall started in the morning and as we left for the centre, the streets of the twin cities were flooding. Many of the aspirants managed to reach the centre drenched in water. However, six unfortunate students couldnotreachthe centre on time.

The supervisor at the Government Associate Degree College for Women, Dhok Ellahi Bakhsh, Committee Chowk, Rawalpindi, had ordered the main gate to be locked, and nobody was allowed to enter the examination hall af ter 9.10am.

Upon repeated requests, the supervisor called the police, which also requested him to let the candidates sit the test.

The aspirants made phone calls to the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) head office in Lahore, but theywere directed to approach the Rawalpindi office. It was done, but nobody responded.

The helpless candidates made all possible efforts till 12pm, but in vain. Their eyes welled up as it was heart-breaking.

A delay of only 15 minutes, that too because of bad weather conditions, robbed them off a great opportunity. I understand that rules are important, but sometimes humanity should take precedence, especially when logic and circumstancial evidence also support such an idea.

Syed Rameez ul Hassan Attock