HEC to Reverify Degrees of 36,931 Students from Unauthorized Campuses

HEC to Reverify Degrees of Over 36,000 Students

The Higher Education Commission has decided to re-examine the academic credentials of 36,931 students enrolled at unauthorized campuses, in a major move aimed at improving transparency in Pakistan’s higher education system.

The decision was taken during the 46th meeting of the HEC, chaired by HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. According to reports, the commission decided that the academic records of these students will be checked again through an independent verification process.

As part of the decision, an independent committee consisting of experts from outside the HEC will be formed. This committee will reverify the records of students whose documents had previously been found complete. The HEC will only provide secretariat support to the committee, while the verification itself will be handled independently.

The commission also reviewed cases of graduates whose degrees had already been attested by the HEC, but whose verification status was later suspended after it was found that they had studied at unauthorized campuses. These cases will also be sent to the independent committee for re-examination before any further action is taken.

In the same meeting, HEC also approved major reforms in its degree attestation and equivalence system. The commission decided to replace the conventional physical attestation process with a fully digital and evidence-based verification mechanism. It also abolished the requirement of submitting prior or subsequent academic qualifications for degree attestation.

The decision is significant because thousands of students may now face a fresh review of their academic records. However, the final outcome will depend on the findings of the independent committee. HEC’s move also highlights growing concerns over unauthorized campuses and the need for a stronger, more transparent degree verification system in Pakistan.