65 percent of attestation work digitised, yet citizens still face delays and high fees

Delays in the attestation of official documents, despite the digitisation of a major part of the process, have raised questions in the Senate,

Islamabad:  Delays in the attestation of official documents, despite the digitisation of a major part of the process, have raised questions in the Senate, with lawmakers questioning the fees charged on government documents and demanding a faster system to prevent delays and possible misuse.

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to prepare a complete plan for an integrated electronic attestation system. It also called for QR codes on official documents so that their details can be checked quickly and fake or misused documents can be detected.

The committee was informed that general document attestation, which makes up around 65 percent of the ministry’s total workload, has been digitised through a link with the HEC database. However, members questioned why citizens still face delays despite the use of digital services. They also asked the ministry to review the fees charged for attesting government issued documents and consider reducing them.

The remaining 35 percent of the workload relates to apostille attestation. The ministry told the committee that it plans to connect its system with NADRA to make this process faster, safer and more efficient.

The committee chairman directed MoFA, NADRA and HEC to present a detailed plan at the next meeting. He also ordered NADRA and MoFA to introduce QR code based verification to reduce unnecessary human contact, avoid delays and make document checking easier. The ministry was asked to raise public awareness so that people know how to use the digital services already available.

The discussion raised concerns about delays, high charges and the risk of document misuse. However, the meeting record did not establish any case of bribery, corruption or deliberate manipulation in the attestation process.

The committee, chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, also reviewed Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister’s visit to the United Nations and the country’s diplomatic plans under its leadership roles in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).

The meeting was attended by Senators Sherry Rehman, Rubina Qaim Khani, Anusha Rahman Ahmed and Amir Waliuddin Chishti.

Members welcomed the newly appointed Foreign Secretary and praised his representation of Pakistan’s position during his time as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. However, they expressed concern over the absence of the Foreign Minister from the meeting.

The members said the Foreign Minister’s participation was important for proper parliamentary oversight and detailed discussion of major foreign policy issues.

The committee was briefed on the Prime Minister’s visit to the United Nations and his meetings with international leaders on the sidelines. The ministry also described the recent visit of the UN Secretary General to Pakistan as a sign of the country’s diplomatic outreach.

The chairman directed the Foreign Office to provide a detailed briefing at the next meeting on the Prime Minister’s UN engagements, particularly in the context of the Iran US conflict, the Makkah Pact and changing regional and international developments.

Pakistan’s first time leadership role in the SCO was also discussed. The Foreign Office informed the committee about plans to engage member countries through different events, including the upcoming summit.

The planned areas of focus include artificial intelligence, regional transport links, youth participation, cooperation between member countries and stronger diplomatic relations.

The committee also reviewed Pakistan’s preparations for the ECO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Members stressed that the country should use its leadership role in regional organisations to improve trade and protect its economic and strategic interests.

The ministry briefed the committee on efforts to put regional trade quotas into operation and develop better systems for transit trade and transportation between member countries.

Chairman Durrani said Pakistan must turn its diplomatic meetings and leadership roles in the SCO and ECO into real economic benefits, better regional connections and stronger relations with other countries. He urged the Foreign Office to take practical steps to achieve these goals.

The committee also received a briefing behind closed doors on Pakistan’s current relations with Afghanistan, including important issues and recent developments. Details of that discussion were not made public.