The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has directed the Higher Education Commission to shorten the turnaround time for degree attestation, highlighting growing concerns among students over delays and procedural complications.
During a recent session held on Friday, committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the current attestation system, describing it as unnecessarily complex and financially burdensome. Lawmakers noted that students, particularly those seeking opportunities abroad, often face significant hurdles due to extended processing times.
The committee emphasized that timely degree attestation is critical for graduates applying for jobs, scholarships, and higher education admissions both within Pakistan and internationally. Any delay in verification can result in missed deadlines and lost opportunities.
Officials pointed out that many students must travel long distances to HEC offices, incur additional expenses, and navigate multiple verification steps. This, they argued, adds to the stress faced by young graduates already managing academic and career transitions.
Members of the committee urged the commission to streamline its procedures by introducing more efficient digital systems and simplifying documentation requirements. They recommended reducing manual interventions where possible and expanding online verification mechanisms to minimize physical visits.
The issue of financial burden was also raised, with lawmakers stating that repeated visits, courier charges, and service fees disproportionately impact students from low-income backgrounds. They called for a review of fee structures to ensure greater affordability and transparency.
Representatives from the Higher Education Commission acknowledged the concerns and assured the committee that steps are being considered to enhance operational efficiency. Officials noted that improvements in technology and workflow management are under review to address processing backlogs.
The discussion reflects broader efforts by parliamentary bodies to improve public service delivery across government institutions. By focusing on student-related services, the committee underscored the importance of supporting Pakistan’s youth and facilitating smoother transitions into the workforce and global academic environments.
Education analysts believe that modernizing the attestation process could significantly improve Pakistan’s academic credibility internationally. Faster verification not only benefits graduates but also strengthens institutional trust.
The committee has requested a follow-up report from the HEC outlining specific measures and timelines for reform. Stakeholders across the education sector are now closely watching for tangible improvements in the system.