Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) is preparing for a major technological shift. The commission has finalized its ambitious plan to introduce a blockchain-based degree attestation system. The new system will replace manual verification procedures and end the need for applicants to visit HEC offices. It aims to improve efficiency, strengthen transparency, and ensure secure, tamper-proof digital record-keeping.
A Fully Automated and Paperless Verification Era Begins
HEC has already completed procurement for the system’s development. According to officials, the blockchain-powered attestation mechanism will go live within the next six months. Acting Chairman HEC, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, has instructed the technical teams to expedite implementation and prioritise system readiness.
Under this upgraded framework, applicants will not be required to carry physical documents or make in-person visits for validation. Every step, from submission to verification, will be managed digitally through the HEC portal.
A major highlight of the new system is its automatic integration with universities that have embraced digital transformation. Currently, 25 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have fully implemented Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. These institutions will have their students’ data linked directly to the HEC blockchain. Graduates from these universities will not need to upload or submit any documents; their degrees will be automatically added to the blockchain upon completion of their programs.
Instant Authentication for Government, Foreign Offices, and Employers
HEIs that do not yet have ERP systems will also benefit from a streamlined process. Their graduates will upload degrees and transcripts online through the HEC portal. These documents will then be forwarded electronically to the respective universities for verification. Once confirmed, the information will be securely added to the blockchain.
The transition marks a complete shift toward a tamper-proof, digitally secured verification ecosystem. Government departments, the Foreign Office, embassies, and employers in Pakistan and abroad will gain immediate access to authenticated digital degrees. This eliminates delays, prevents fraud, and ensures smooth processing for job applications, visa procedures, and academic admissions.
HEC’s blockchain initiative represents a transformative step for Pakistan’s education sector. By removing manual stamping, paperwork, and in-person visits, the commission is ushering in a new era of automation, transparency, and digital trust.
