MOFA launches online attestation for educational and personal documents

What happened

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) launched a digital attestation system on October 12 [1]. This new service allows for both general and Apostille attestation to be processed online, meaning applicants do not have to visit MOFA headquarters or its liaison offices in person [1]. Following the launch, a ministry circular issued on October 14 stated that the system is available through the ministry in Islamabad and its liaison offices located in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Gujrat [1].

Under this system, applicants submit their documents electronically via a designated online portal. Once the process is finished and the required fees are paid, applicants receive electronic certificates through email [1]. The ministry noted that this system follows a model similar to the electronic attestation service used by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) [1]. While the service is digital, the ministry stated that applicants may still be required to appear in person in exceptional cases depending on the nature of their specific applications [1]. Ministry officers have been directed to encourage the use of this online service for both general and Apostille requirements [1].

As of the October 2026 update, the fee structure for attestation is as follows [2]:

• Rs3,000 per personal document
• Rs3,000 per educational document

Who is affected

This service affects individuals requiring the legalization of documents for use abroad. Educational documents eligible for attestation include [2]:

• Secondary School Certificate (SSC)
• Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC)
• University degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, MPhil, and Doctorate)
• Technical Skills Certificates
• Equivalence Certificates
• Mark Sheets and Transcripts
• School Leaving Certificates
• ACCA, ICAP, and ICMAP Certificates
• Madaris Certificates
• Hifz-ul-Quran Certificates
• Bonafide Certificates

What students should do next

Applicants can access the designated online portal to submit their documents and complete all necessary formalities [1]. After completing the submission and paying the required fees, users should check their email to receive their electronic certificates [1].