The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has postponed the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) and the Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) scheduled for February 1 in Balochistan, on Saturday.
HEC stated, in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, “Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) and Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) scheduled for February 01, 2026, have been postponed for Balochistan Province Candidates only.”
According to the details, the decision to postpone HAT and USAT was made due to the current law and order situation in the region.
The commission clarified that the postponement applies only to Balochistan. Exams in other parts of the country will continue as planned.
HEC said a new date for students in Balochistan will be announced later. Candidates are advised to check the HEC and ETC websites for updates.
Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) and Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) scheduled for *February 01, 2026* have been postponed for Balochistan Province Candidates only.
— HEC Pakistan (@hecpkofficial) January 31, 2026
Candidates are advised to regularly visit HEC and ETC websites for updates on new schedule.
HEC to modernise degree attestation
The commission has also finalised plans to modernise the degree attestation process by using blockchain technology.
The move aims to increase efficiency, transparency, and security while removing the need for applicants to appear in person.
133 Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists killed: ISPR
Security forces have killed 133 Fitna-ul-Hindustan terrorists in Balochistan in two days, ISPR said.
Pakistan’s security forces have killed at least 133 terrorists in a series of counterterrorism operations across Balochistan over the past two days, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
In a statement, ISPR said that on January 31, militants belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al Hindustan carried out multiple attacks in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni in an attempt to destabilise the province.
According to the military, the attackers targeted civilians in Gwadar and Kharan, killing 18 people. This number includes women, children, elderly citizens and labourers.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies responded immediately and launched coordinated clearance operations across the affected areas.
