MOFA launches digital attestation system after Minute Mirror campaign

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has officially launched a Digital Attestation System for consular documents following sustained efforts by *Minute Mirror* to highlight the difficulties faced by citizens seeking document attestation.

For months, Minute Mirror has reported on the challenges confronting applicants, including long queues, delays and the alleged role of middlemen at the ministry’s headquarters and its liaison offices across the country.

According to Circular No. Dir (CA&OP)/2026-Attest, dated October 14, 2026, issued by Director (CA&OP) Azeem Khan, the digital system has been adopted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad and its liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujrat, with effect from October 12, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, applicants submitting documents for general attestation and apostille services will receive an electronic certificate (e-Certificate) via email after completing the required procedure and paying the prescribed fee.

The system is expected to simplify the attestation process, reduce the need for physical visits and provide greater convenience to citizens seeking verification of their documents for official and international use.

The initiative follows a similar digital approach adopted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which has introduced electronic services to facilitate applicants seeking document attestation.

With the new facility, applicants will be able to complete the process from their homes instead of travelling to the ministry’s headquarters or its liaison offices. However, physical attendance may still be required in exceptional cases, depending on the nature of the application and the documents involved.

The move is expected to ease pressure on public-facing offices and reduce inconvenience for people who previously had to spend considerable time and effort visiting attestation centres.

Applicants have been advised to submit their documents electronically through the ministry’s official portal:

#https://portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk.

The launch marks a step towards the digitisation of consular services and improving public access to government facilities. The new system is expected to make document attestation more accessible while reducing reliance on in-person procedures.