From today, Pakistan will no longer validate any degree issued by Afghan universities.
The federal cabinet approved a directive that instructs the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to cease recognition of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications obtained from institutions in Afghanistan. Officials say the move is intended to safeguard the integrity of academic credentials entering the Pakistani labour market, where employers and professional bodies have repeatedly faced difficulties verifying the authenticity and standards of Afghan‑issued diplomas.
Students and professionals who earned their degrees in Kabul, Kandahar or other Afghan cities and now seek employment, postgraduate study, or professional licensure in Pakistan will have to explore alternative routes. The decision directly affects a sizable cohort of Afghan refugees, migrant workers, and Pakistani nationals who pursued higher education across the border, many of whom rely on degree validation to secure jobs in sectors ranging from education to engineering.
Authorities cite the lack of a uniform accreditation framework in Afghanistan and the uncertainty surrounding the current governance of its universities as the primary drivers behind the policy. Since the Taliban’s takeover, many Afghan institutions have undergone rapid structural changes, making it harder for Pakistani bodies to conduct reliable quality assessments or obtain verifiable transcripts.
The HEC has urged affected individuals to contact its credential‑evaluation office, which will offer equivalence testing, supplementary examinations, or bridging programmes to determine the Pakistani standing of their qualifications. Applicants will be required to submit original certificates, transcripts and any available accreditation documents for a case‑by‑case review.
While the measure aims to protect domestic job markets, it may also strain educational ties between the two neighbours. Analysts note that the policy could push prospective Afghan students to seek alternatives in third‑country institutions, potentially reducing cross‑border academic exchange that has historically complemented the labour needs of Pakistan’s growing economy.