HEC launches 'Maktab' system to track student records digitally

Pakistan has launched the Maktab system to keep full digital records of students, tracking their enrolment, grades, transcripts, and degrees, 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) framework, will initially be implemented in 25 public universities, with plans to extend it to all public universities in the country.

“Under this system, complete data of every student, from enrolment to degree, will be available. This will save time and ensure transparency,” she said. She added that the platform will include grades, transcripts, and records of degree issuance, allowing the entire academic journey of students to be tracked on a single platform.

Qamar said the government also plans to use artificial intelligence to manage the education system and store all processes securely. “Ensuring the quality of students’ education is extremely important,” she said, adding that the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and HEC are playing central roles in implementing these reforms. She said monitoring at the FDE is already conducted through digital portals, while an AI-based portal is in the final stages of completion.

The minister said digitisation has strengthened tracking, accountability, and the scrutiny of tenders. “Tender scrutiny is now carried out digitally. This system is extremely important for transparency,” she said.

She also highlighted that mechanisms exist for students and parents to register 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 standing. She said a central e-portal has been introduced at the FDE for BS programmes, which will initially benefit around 4,000 students seeking admission. “In the first phase, it will apply to BS admissions, and later to other programmes,” she said.

She also spoke about reforms at the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), which has introduced a 24-hour online system for equivalence and verification using a single ID. She said this has also accelerated the registration process for international boards.

The minister described the Directorate General of Education as “very close to our hearts” and highlighted the recent inauguration of a Centre of Excellence for Autism by the prime minister. She said the government is holding e-katcheries to allow students and parents to raise complaints directly.

Wajiha Qamar said these measures are part of a broader effort to modernise the education system and make it more accountable, efficient, and student-focused. She added that while results take time, these reforms are designed to ensure consistent improvements in education outcomes and service delivery.