ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for secure digital verification of academic credentials, including degrees.
According to the HEC, the MoU was signed to establish secure API-based integration between their attestation systems, enabling direct and secure verification of HEC-attested academic credentials.
The MoU incorporates safeguards for data sharing, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and the protection of personally identifiable information, strengthening secure digital collaboration between the two institutions, it added.
In a separate statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the integration of databases will simplify attestation procedures, enhance transparency, and strengthen the verification of educational documents.
“Digital certificates and online services will reduce delays and eliminate the need for physical visits in most cases, particularly facilitating overseas Pakistanis.”
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the integration of databases between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The MoU will simplify attestation procedures, enhance transparency and strengthen the verification of educational documents. Digital certificates and online services will reduce delays and eliminate the need for physical visits in most cases, particularly facilitating overseas Pakistanis.
DPM/FM emphasised that improving consular services has remained a priority for him, including through the introduction of Pakistan’s Apostille system in 2024. He noted that today’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards making attestation services more accessible, efficient and convenient for Pakistanis at home and abroad.
The DPM/FM appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders, particularly MoFA, HEC, the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), in advancing this initiative.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 12, 2026
The MoU was signed by HEC Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, and Foreign Affairs Secretary, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, along with senior representatives of both organizations.
Addressing the occasion, Dar emphasised that improving consular services has remained a priority for him, including through the introduction of Pakistan’s Apostille system in 2024.
He noted that today’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards making attestation services more accessible, efficient and convenient for Pakistanis at home and abroad.
The DPM appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders, particularly MoFA, HEC, the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), in advancing this initiative.
