DIR: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Upper Dir, Muhammad Usman Mehsud, imposed Article 144 across the district on the eve of the matric examination and banned the selling of pocket guides and other material that helped in cheating during the examination. The ban was imposed through a notification issued from his office. According to the notification the ban on cheating and selling of pocket guides and other material would be effective till April 3, the last day of the matric exam. Gathering of more than five persons would not be allowed in the premises of the examination halls. The notification said that entrance of the outsiders and unauthorised persons into the premises of the examination halls would also not be allowed during paper time. Muhammad Usman Mehsud said that a smooth and peaceful environment of conducting the examination would be ensured. He said that cases would be registered against violators and they would be sent behind bars. The DC said that cheating was an ulcer for the education system, adding that students did not do proper preparation for the exams because they knew that they could pass the exam by cheating. He said that ensuring of a cheating free examination system was his top priority in the district. He said that he would visit the examination halls during exam to check the internal situation. Students and people of the district appreciated the timely action of the DC against cheating said that the examination system could become better if steps like these were continuously taken. They said that after ending cheating from examinations the students would prepare well for the examination. Zeeshan, a student, said that the DC’s effort of taking notice of cheating was a great effort and those students who were always avoiding cheating in the examination could derive some courage from it. Gohar Rehman, a resident of Dir, said that the cheating culture had destroyed the education system of the country and particularly of Malakand division. He said that all were involved in promoting cheating, from the boards’ chairmen to the examination staff. He said that steps which were taken against cheating were appreciable. Another resident said that the education system should be made more effective so as to provide a strong foundation to students and cheating should be eliminated from an early stage. The people said that all those who took proper steps toward ending cheating from exams should be lauded.