The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced a digital document attestation system to facilitate citizens, allowing them to apply online and receive attestation certificates through email after verification. According to the Foreign Office, the new system became operational on October 12, 2026, and is available through the ministry’s main office in Islamabad and liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujrat. Under the new system, applicants must upload their documents through the ministry’s online portal.

Once the documents have been reviewed and verified, they can pay the prescribed fee online and receive their attestation certificates by email. The initiative aims to spare citizens repeated visits to government offices, long queues and difficulties associated with the traditional attestation process. Citizens can submit applications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official portal: portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk. The system covers general document attestation and apostille services, although some cases may still require applicants to appear in person for physical verification.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)