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Punjab students and educational institutions were recently misled by a fake notification claiming that public and private colleges and universities in the province would no longer enforce attendance requirements. Circulated widely on social media, the document allegedly dated January 17, 2026, instructed institutions not to block students from admissions or exams due to low attendance and prohibited any attendance-related fines. The notification was reportedly signed by Section Officer Babar Khan Gondal and warned of strict legal action for non-compliance.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has clarified that the notification is fake. The commission urged students, faculty, and institutions to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information. HEC emphasized that authentic updates are only available on official government websites and verified social media pages.
This misinformation comes at a time when attendance policies are a critical part of academic monitoring, and students should continue to follow existing rules as enforced by their institutions. Social media users are advised to always confirm the authenticity of such documents before sharing them.
“Students and faculty are urged to stay cautious and verify all notifications from official sources. Do not fall for unverified social media posts,” HEC warned.
Attendance requirements in Punjab’s colleges and universities are part of academic regulations designed to ensure consistent student participation. The circulation of fake documents undermines institutional authority and can create confusion among students about academic obligations.
