The framework will initially be implemented in 25 public universities, and there are plans to expand it to all public universities.
Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education, speaking at a press conference in Islamabad PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan launched the Maktab system to maintain comprehensive digital records of students, track their registrations, grades, transcripts and diplomas, Minister of State for Federal Education Wajiha Qamar said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said the system, launched under the Higher Education Commission (HEC), will initially be implemented in 25 public universities, with plans to extend it to all public universities in the country.
“Under this system, the complete data of each student from registration to graduation will be available. This will save time and ensure transparency,” she said. She added that the platform will include grades, transcripts and degree issuance records, making it possible to track students’ entire academic journey on a single platform.
Qamar said the government is also planning to use artificial intelligence to manage the education system and store all processes securely. “Ensuring the quality of education for students is extremely important,” she said, adding that the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and HEC play a central role in implementing these reforms. She said monitoring at the FDE is already carried out through digital portals, while an AI-based portal is in the final stages of completion.
The minister said digitalization has strengthened monitoring, accountability and review of tenders. “Tender monitoring is now carried out digitally. This system is extremely important for transparency,” she said.
She also highlighted that there are mechanisms for students and parents to lodge complaints directly, through digital platforms and e-katcheries. “HEC, FDE and other institutions are working to further improve the education of young people,” she added.
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Wajiha Qamar said the initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve the quality of education and strengthen Pakistan’s international position. She said a central e-portal has been introduced at FDE for bachelor’s degree programmes, which will initially benefit around 4,000 students seeking admission. “Initially, this will apply to undergraduate admissions, and later to other programs,” she said.
She also spoke about the reforms of the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), which introduced a 24-hour online system of equivalence and verification using a single ID document. She said it also accelerated the registration process for international boards.
The minister described the Directorate General of Education as “very close to us” and highlighted the recent inauguration of a Center of Excellence for Autism by the Prime Minister. She said the government was organizing online awareness sessions to enable students and parents to lodge complaints directly.
Wajiha Qamar said these measures are part of a broader effort to modernize the education system and make it more accountable, more efficient and more student-focused. She added that while results take time, these reforms are designed to ensure steady improvements in education outcomes and service delivery.
