Are the first 4 FIA exams (FA1, MA1, FA2, MA2) actually compulsory in Pakistan?

I’m planning to do ACCA through the FIA route here in Pakistan, and I’m getting mixed info that’s honestly confusing me.

I’m coming from O Levels, and my goal is to complete the ACCA eventually. But my cousin keeps saying that I have to start from the very beginning — meaning FA1, MA1, FA2, and MA2. But when I check SKANS’ website and ACCA’s official info, it looks like I can skip those and directly start with: • FBT (Foundations in Business & Tech) • FFA (Financial Accounting) • MA / FMA (Management Accounting)

From what I understand, these 3 papers make up the Foundation Diploma, and once I finish those + the ethics module, I can transfer to ACCA and start from F4/LW, right?

I just want to confirm: 👉 Do I need to do the first 4 exams (FA1–MA2) even though I’m coming from O Levels? 👉 Has anyone from Pakistan done the same and moved on without any issues? 👉 Any official source or personal experience would help a lot.

I really don’t want to waste time or money on unnecessary papers, so I’d appreciate any solid answers 😭🙏