Ended Attendance Requirements for Students. In recent days, a notification circulating widely on social media has created confusion among students, parents, and teachers across Punjab. The document claims that the Punjab government has ended mandatory attendance requirements for students enrolled in public and private colleges and universities.
According to the viral notification, institutions are allegedly instructed not to bar students from exams or admissions due to low attendance and are also prohibited from imposing attendance-related fines or penalties.
What Does the Viral Notification Claim?
The document being shared online is dated January 17, 2026. It appears to be an official government notification and includes the following claims:
- Colleges and universities in Punjab must stop enforcing attendance requirements
- Students cannot be blocked from examinations or admissions due to low attendance
- Institutions are not allowed to impose attendance-based fines or penalties
- Strict legal and administrative action will be taken against institutions that do not comply
- The document is allegedly signed by a Section Officer named Babar Khan Gondal
Because of its official formatting, many students assumed the notification was genuine.
Why Did the Notification Raise So Much Attention?
Attendance policies in Punjab’s higher education institutions have always been a sensitive issue. Many students struggle to meet attendance thresholds due to:
- Financial pressures
- Long travel distances
- Part-time work
- Health or family responsibilities
As a result, the claim that attendance requirements had been removed spread rapidly, especially among university students preparing for upcoming examinations.
Official Response From the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has officially rejected the notification circulating on social media.
In a public clarification, HEC confirmed that:
- The notification is fake
- It was not issued by HEC or any official government authority
- The document is being falsely circulated on social media platforms
HEC strongly advised students, faculty members, and educational institutions not to trust or share unverified information.
What Did HEC Advise Students and Institutions?
HEC urged all stakeholders to follow these guidelines:
- Always verify announcements through official government websites
- Follow updates shared on verified social media pages
- Avoid forwarding or reposting unconfirmed documents
- Contact institutions directly for clarification on attendance policies
HEC emphasized that spreading fake notifications can create unnecessary confusion and disrupt academic processes.
Are Attendance Requirements Still Valid in Punjab?
Yes.
As of now:
- Attendance policies remain unchanged
- Colleges and universities still have the authority to enforce minimum attendance
- Institutions may restrict exam entry if attendance requirements are not met, based on their approved regulations
No official directive has been issued отменing attendance rules in Punjab’s higher education institutions.
How to Identify Fake Educational Notifications
Students are encouraged to remain cautious. Here are some practical ways to identify fake notifications:
- No reference number or unclear formatting
- Not published on an official website
- Circulated only on WhatsApp, Facebook, or TikTok
- Uses threatening language without legal references
- Not confirmed by HEC or provincial education departments
If a notification sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Where Should Students Check Authentic Updates?
For reliable information, students should only trust:
- Official government websites
- Verified social media pages of HEC
- Official notices issued by their colleges or universities
- Campus notice boards and student portals
Relying on unofficial sources can lead to serious academic consequences.
Impact of Fake Notifications on Students
False information can negatively affect students by:
- Encouraging absenteeism
- Causing exam disqualification
- Creating misunderstandings with institutions
- Leading to disciplinary actions
- Increasing anxiety and uncertainty
This is why authorities repeatedly stress the importance of verification.
Conclusion
The claim that Punjab has ended attendance requirements for students is false. The viral notification circulating on social media is not authentic, and no such policy change has been announced by the government or the Higher Education Commission.
Students are advised to continue following existing attendance rules and rely only on official sources for academic updates. Sharing or acting upon fake notifications can put a student’s academic future at risk.
