HEC Criticized for Cumbersome Degree Verification Mechanism Burdening Students
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances delivered strong criticism of the Higher Education Commission over delays and financial burden in degree attestation, demanding urgent reforms and reduced processing time. The Committee also decided to summon the CDA and Registrar Cooperative Societies over the alarming absence of healthcare facilities in newly developed housing societies in Islamabad.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances strongly criticized the Higher Education Commission for what it termed a cumbersome and financially burdensome degree attestation system, directing immediate steps to reduce turnaround time and ease hardships faced by students. Lawmakers observed that the current process not only causes delays but also imposes unnecessary financial strain on graduates seeking employment, scholarships, and international opportunities.
The Committee, chaired by Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA, reviewed the implementation report regarding assurances given by the Minister for Education on the floor of the House. Members emphasized that the time between submission and completion of attestation applications must be significantly minimized. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with procedural inefficiencies and sought concrete timelines for improvement.
Responding to the concerns, the Chairman of HEC informed the Committee that a comprehensive digital transformation initiative is underway, including the introduction of a secure blockchain based attestation system. The project is expected to be implemented before 30 June 2026 and will initially link HEC with 25 universities and the Attestation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Committee sought a joint presentation by HEC and the Foreign Office to ensure coordination, transparency, and accountability in the new system.
In addition to the HEC issue, the Committee expressed serious concern over the non availability of healthcare facilities in newly established housing societies in Islamabad. Members described the situation as alarming, noting that the absence of mandatory healthcare infrastructure in master plans is placing immense pressure on already overburdened public hospitals in the capital.
The Committee decided to summon the Registrar Cooperative Societies and the Capital Development Authority to explain why healthcare establishments are not being made compulsory in housing society approvals. Lawmakers stressed that regulators must ensure that every new housing project includes healthcare facilities as part of its development framework.
The Committee also disposed of an assurance regarding change in electricity billing dates after accepting the justification provided by the Ministry of Power. Officials informed members that simultaneous meter readings are operationally difficult and that the issue will gradually be resolved through installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters.
Furthermore, while discussing the implementation of an assurance related to the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund, the Committee directed the Establishment Division to amend its rules to include newly introduced professional degrees such as business data analysis in the fee reimbursement scheme. The Secretary Establishment assured that necessary amendments would be made to align with the Committee’s directive.
The Committee made it clear that inefficiency in education services and urban planning will remain under strict parliamentary scrutiny, emphasizing that public institutions must prioritize transparency, service delivery, and citizen welfare.
Read in Urdu: ڈگری تصدیق کا پیچیدہ نظام: ایچ ای سی پر طلبہ کو مالی و انتظامی بوجھ ڈالنے کا الزام، فوری اصلاحات کا مطالبہ
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