ISLAMABAD: To improve consular services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to shift from manual to digital attestation of documents.

It will launch the digital QR code system at the headquarters on Tuesday (today). The system will also be introduced in the camp offices later.

The QR code system is used to efficiently store small amount of data. According to a statement, this system is a user-friendly digital process which would lead to an expeditious attestation of papers. It will also help verify the attestation of documents via the QR code scanner.

Moreover, the malpractice of forged attestation would be curbed. Digital attestation would create a paperless environment as the data would be digitally backed up.

Overseas Pakistanis frequently send their wills, power of attorney, etc., after attestation from camp offices in the embassies and high commissions to Pakistan.

The Foreign Office (FO) also attests educational documents, marriage certificates.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2019