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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Pakistan has announced a major shift in its higher education services, with the Higher Education Commission introducing a fully digital system for degree attestation, removing the need for applicants to visit its offices.
The new system, which comes into effect on April 30, will allow students and graduates to complete the entire attestation process online. Officials say the move is part of wider efforts to modernise public services and improve accessibility for users across the country.
Under the updated framework, applicants will be able to submit their documents through the commission’s online portal, where their credentials will be verified electronically. Once approved, attested documents will be issued as digital certificates, replacing the traditional system that relied on physical paperwork and in-person verification.
The commission says the transition to a paperless process is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and administrative bottlenecks, which have long been a source of frustration for applicants, particularly those living in remote areas or overseas.
To support the new system, the HEC has also integrated digital payment options, enabling users to pay attestation fees through the 1LINK network. This is intended to streamline transactions and minimise delays associated with manual fee submission.
Existing users will be able to log in using their current credentials, ensuring continuity as the platform shifts to the new model. Officials say the system has been designed to handle a large volume of applications while maintaining secure verification standards.
The reform is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistanis who require attested degrees for employment, further education, or immigration purposes. By eliminating the need for physical visits, authorities hope to ease pressure on HEC offices, which have often struggled with high footfall and processing backlogs.
The initiative reflects a broader push by the government to expand digital governance, as public institutions increasingly adopt online solutions to deliver services more efficiently. Analysts say such measures could play a key role in improving transparency and reducing opportunities for procedural delays, although their success will depend on the reliability and accessibility of digital infrastructure across the country.
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