A Senate committee has directed the Higher Education Commission and Al Khair University to resolve the degree recognition dispute affecting 11,515 graduates before its next meeting.
ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee has directed Al Khair University’s vice chancellor and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman to work together to resolve a longstanding dispute over degree recognition and attestation affecting 11,515 graduates from affiliated colleges.
The direction was issued during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt. The committee reviewed complaints concerning the recognition and attestation of academic qualifications and considered the implications of Supreme Court and High Court decisions issued in 2014 and 2025 regarding relief for affected graduates.
According to figures presented to the committee, 75,894 graduates were recorded in 2018. Of these, the HEC recognised 64,379 degrees, while the remaining 11,515 graduates from affiliated colleges were required to pass a comprehensive test.
The requirement has left thousands of graduates awaiting a resolution to their degree-related concerns. The dispute has raised questions about the recognition of their academic qualifications and the process for obtaining official attestation.
Senator Butt directed the university’s vice chancellor and the HEC chairman to coordinate their efforts and work toward a solution in accordance with the relevant court directions. The committee expects the two officials to make progress before its next meeting.
The outcome of their discussions could determine the way forward for graduates whose degrees remain unrecognised by the commission.
HEC digital attestation system processes 73,146 cases
The committee also reviewed the HEC’s paperless online degree attestation system, launched on May 11, 2026.
Officials informed the committee that the digital platform had processed 73,146 cases involving 139,021 academic documents.
The system is intended to simplify degree attestation by allowing applicants to submit and manage requests online, reducing reliance on paperwork and improving access to the service.
However, the committee’s discussion highlighted that digital processing has not resolved longstanding disputes over degree recognition, which continue to require coordination between universities and the regulatory authorities.
Committee warns institutions against unauthorised fees
The committee also examined procedures for verifying student records and educational documents, stressing the need for transparency and compliance with established rules.
Senator Butt directed educational institutions to follow prescribed procedures and refrain from charging students unauthorised or excessive fees.
She warned that cases involving unlawful charges would be referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for investigation.
The committee emphasised that students must be protected from improper financial demands while institutions ensure the accurate verification of academic credentials.
The next committee meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to assess progress on the Al Khair University dispute and determine whether the HEC and university administration have developed a way forward for the 11,515 affected graduates.
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