Pakistan is taking a step towards simplifying educational document verification for people who need to use their degrees abroad. On October 12, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) signed an agreement to integrate their databases and improve the verification of academic credentials.
The initiative is intended to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and make the attestation process easier for students and professionals in Pakistan and overseas. However, applicants should understand what has actually been announced and which procedures they still need to follow.
What Has Pakistan Announced?
According to the Government of Pakistan’s Press Information Department, the agreement between MoFA and HEC aims to simplify attestation procedures and strengthen the verification of educational documents.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reported on October 13 that the initiative involves secure digital integration between the two institutions, allowing HEC-attested academic credentials to be verified electronically.
The system is intended to reduce manual processing and make academic verification more efficient.
Important: The announcement does not establish that every attestation requirement has already been removed. Applicants should continue following the existing official procedures until the authorities publish updated instructions.
How Will the New System Help Overseas Pakistanis?
Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries may need verified educational documents for employment, higher education, professional registration or immigration-related applications.
Under the new initiative, electronic verification could make it easier for relevant authorities to confirm the authenticity of Pakistani academic credentials.
Potential benefits include:
- Less paperwork between government departments.
- Faster verification of HEC-attested degrees.
- Fewer delays caused by manual document checks.
- Improved confidence in Pakistani academic credentials.
- Greater convenience for applicants who live abroad.
The actual benefits will depend on implementation, the institutions using the system and the final procedures announced by the government.
How to Get Your Degree Attested in Pakistan
Until revised instructions are officially published, applicants should use the established HEC Degree Attestation System.
Step 1: Check Your Documents
Prepare your original degree and transcript, along with your CNIC or passport and any supporting documents required for your application.
Make sure the spelling of your name and other personal details match across your academic documents and identification. Discrepancies can cause delays.
Step 2: Apply Through the HEC Portal
Visit the official HEC website and access the Degree Attestation System:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DAS/Pages/default.aspx
Create or access your account, enter your academic information and follow the application instructions.
Step 3: Complete the Required Verification
HEC may require your university or degree-awarding institution to verify your academic records. The precise requirements depend on your documents and application.
Read the instructions provided after your application has undergone initial scrutiny.
Step 4: Select the Available Attestation Method
HEC provides application options that can include courier-based processing and walk-in appointments for eligible cases. Follow the method currently offered through the portal.
Do not send original documents or visit an office without checking the latest instructions.
Step 5: Check the Application Status
Monitor your application through the official system and respond to any requests for additional information.
For current requirements, visit:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DAS/Pages/Requirements-For-Attestation.aspx
Do You Still Need Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation?
That depends on the destination country and the purpose for which you are submitting your documents.
HEC deals with the attestation of university-level academic credentials. MoFA provides further authentication services for documents intended for use abroad, subject to the applicable procedure.
Some destinations accept documents through an apostille process, while others may require additional authentication or legalisation. The receiving university, employer, professional regulator or immigration authority determines what it will accept.
Before paying fees, check whether you need HEC attestation alone, MoFA authentication, an apostille or another step.
You can find official information through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
What Should Pakistanis Living Abroad Do Now?
If you are already living overseas and need to submit a Pakistani degree to an employer or university, take these steps:
- Ask the receiving organisation which form of verification it requires.
- Check whether your degree must be attested by HEC.
- Confirm whether MoFA authentication or an apostille is also necessary.
- Review the current HEC application and courier options.
- Keep your original documents, identification and application records secure.
- Check for updated instructions about the newly announced digital integration before arranging additional services.
Avoid paying unofficial agents who promise guaranteed approval or claim that the new system has eliminated every requirement.
What About Matriculation and Intermediate Certificates?
The new agreement specifically concerns the integration of MoFA and HEC databases for academic credential verification. It should not automatically be interpreted as changing the requirements for every type of educational certificate.
Matriculation and intermediate certificates generally follow a different attestation route involving the relevant educational board and the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), where applicable.
Applicants should check the current IBCC requirements rather than assuming the HEC procedure applies to all certificates.
When Will the New Digital System Become Available?
The government announced the agreement on October 12, 2026, but the announcement does not provide a confirmed public launch date for a fully integrated service.
Until operational instructions are published, applicants should continue using the existing official application channels and avoid relying on unverified claims about immediate changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can overseas Pakistanis benefit from the new system?
Yes, overseas Pakistanis are among the groups the initiative is intended to help. The extent of the benefit will depend on implementation and the procedures ultimately introduced.
Can I stop using the HEC portal now?
No such blanket change has been announced. Continue using the established HEC application process unless the commission publishes revised instructions.
Will degree attestation become completely free?
The announcement does not establish that attestation services will be free. Check the current official fee schedule before applying.
Do I still need an apostille for my degree?
That depends on the destination country and the receiving organisation’s requirements. Confirm the required authentication route before submitting your documents.
Where can I check official updates?
Use the following official sources:
- HEC: https://www.hec.gov.pk/
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://mofa.gov.pk/
- Press Information Department: https://pid.gov.pk/
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s agreement to integrate the HEC and MoFA databases could make degree verification more convenient for students, professionals and overseas Pakistanis. The key development is the move towards secure electronic verification, not the immediate abolition of every existing attestation requirement.
Anyone planning to use a Pakistani degree abroad should continue following official procedures, confirm the receiving organisation’s requirements and watch for further implementation announcements.
Last updated: October 13, 2026.
