The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has introduced a digital attestation system, allowing Pakistanis to get their documents attested online without visiting its offices in most cases.
Under the new system, applicants can submit documents for general and Apostille attestation electronically and receive an electronic certificate (e-Certificate) via email after completing the required process and paying the prescribed fee.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 14, 2026, the system became operational on October 12 at the ministry’s Islamabad office and its liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujrat.
The initiative is expected to make the document attestation process more convenient for Pakistanis who need verified documents for overseas travel, education, employment and other official purposes.
Documents can now be attested from home
Under the digital attestation system, applicants will no longer generally need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its liaison offices in person. The e-Certificate will be issued through email once the required procedure has been completed and the prescribed fee has been paid.
However, applicants may still be required to appear in person in exceptional cases where physical verification or presence is necessary.
The system follows an approach similar to the electronic attestation process adopted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
MOFA encourages online applications
The ministry has advised its officers to encourage applicants to submit their documents electronically for both general and Apostille attestation services.
The move aims to improve transparency, simplify procedures and make consular services more efficient by reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
How to apply for MOFA document attestation online
Pakistanis can access the official online portal to submit their documents for attestation.
Official portal: https://portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk
Applicants should complete the required process and pay the prescribed fee through the official system. They should also check the portal for the applicable document requirements and instructions before submitting an application.
