ISLAMABAD: Girls have clinched top positions in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams conducted by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE).

According to results of classes 9th and 10th announced by the board on Wednesday, the girlsexcelled in both science and humanities groups.

The pass percentage of 9th class remained 62pc while that of the Part-II (10th class) exam was 88pc.

The results show that 137,680 students were enrolled for SSC-II, and out of them, 121,120 were declared pass.

On the other hand,146,348 students were enrolled for SSC-I, out of whom 89,882 were declared pass.

In science group, the first position was secured by Meryum Nadeem from Army Public School and College (Rooh-e-Rawan) Westridge-III Rawalpindi who obtained 1,093 marks.

The second position was bagged by Amna Nasir of Lahore Grammar School, Wah Cantt, with 1,087 marks while the third position was shared by two students Saleha Saqib from Emalah Foundation Schools and College Misrial Road Rawalpindi and Haniya Aiman Waheed from Army Public School and College Attock by obtaining 1,083 marks.

In the humanities group, Sana Bibi ofShining Star Public School secured first position with 1,045 marks, while Abdul Rehman and Mohammad Sufyan Ahmad of the Institute of Islamic Sciences claimed second and third positions with 1,029 and 1,022 marks, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, congratulated position holders and termed them assets of the country.

He said he had noted that girls were getting majority of top positions in almost all results of boards and universities, adding that Pakistan is a blessed country with a large number of youth.

He said Pakistan, byinvesting in the education sector, could bring progress.

`Our youth is our asset, the minister said and wished the position holders well and advised them to work hard in their future endeavoursfor the betterment of the country.

Earlier, FBISE Chairman Dr Ikram Ali Malik briefed the salient features of the examination and working of the board. This year, a total of 129 cases of unfair means were reported.

Speaking to Dawn, science group topper Meryum Nadeem said: `I want to become a doctor to serve humanity to help people and fulfill my dream.` She credited her success to her teachers, parents and hard work. Staff Reporter