Digital Pakistan cybersecurity hackathon 2024 launched
Zubair Yaqoob
Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 was officially launched in Karachi, bringing together participants, industry experts, and key stakeholders dedicated to strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity resilience.
Organized by the Ministry of IT and Telecom under Ignite, this flagship event marks the beginning of a nationwide series where 521 teams will tackle cybersecurity challenges, designed to identify, nurture, and promote local talent in this vital sector. During the inaugural ceremony, Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, expressed the current government’s ambition to make Pakistan a center for information technology, emphasizing a particular focus on cybersecurity.
She thanked all participants, partner organizations, and organizers for their support in making the Karachi launch a success. “Events like the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon play a crucial role in fostering an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity,” she stated.
“I am proud to announce that Pakistan has been recognized in the top tier-1 (role modeling) of the ITU-Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI_V5) 2024, reflecting our country’s progress in strengthening cybersecurity and resilience. This milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the ministry’s leadership and stakeholders from government, industry, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies.” Additionally, Zarar Hisham Khan, Secretary of IT and Telecom, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to enhancing national cybersecurity expertise and capabilities. “The Ministry of IT and Telecom is steadfast in its pursuit of initiatives that support the development of cybersecurity talent and innovations across Pakistan.” “Events like the Cybersecurity Hackathon help create a secure digital environment by providing our young cybersecurity professionals with essential skills and opportunities,” Mr. Khan added.
“Through such initiatives, we are not only developing a skilled workforce but also building a resilient digital infrastructure that will serve as the backbone of Pakistan’s digital future.”
Adeel Aizaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, emphasized the organization’s role in establishing the hackathon as a national brand for identifying cybersecurity talent and workforce preparation. “The Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon has become a singular, national platform for promoting cybersecurity expertise in Pakistan,” Mr. Shaikh remarked. “This year, we held awareness sessions and practical training workshops related to cybersecurity in 16 cities, resulting in over 3,000 individuals completing cybersecurity training. The launch event in Karachi represents our vision of building a future-ready cybersecurity workforce that will defend Pakistan’s digital frontiers.” Shaikh also acknowledged the international participation of Pakistan’s cybersecurity talent, stating, “It is gratifying to see our top hackathon teams representing Pakistan in global competitions such as Black Hat in Saudi Arabia. This kind of exposure is invaluable and aligns with our vision of bringing Pakistani talent onto the global map.”
