KARACHI: Minister of State for Information Te­­chnology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja has disclosed that Pakis­tan has been recognised in the Top Tier-1 (Role-Mod­elling) of the ITU-Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI-V5) 2024, reflecting the country’s strides in strengthening cybersecurity and resilience.

Addressing an event titled ‘Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024’, officially launched here on Wednesday, she said that this milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts made by stakeholders across the government, industry, academia, and law enforcement agencies.

She said the government wanted to make Pakistan a hub of information technology.

Organised by Ignite under the auspices of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, this flagship event marks the beginning of a nationwide series that will see 521 teams from across Pakistan competing in cybersecurity challenges designed to identify, nurture, and promote local talent in this critical field.

‘Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024’ officially launched

Ms Khawaja also expressed her gratitude to all participants, partner organisations and organisers who contributed to the success of the Karachi launch.

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Events like the Digital Pakis­tan Cybersecurity Hackathon are instrumental in developing an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity, she said.

Secretary IT and Telecom Zar­­­rar Hasham Khan highlighted the ministry’s commitment to developing national cybersecurity expertise and capabilities.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom remains steadfast in its pursuit of initiatives that support cybersecurity talent development and innovation across the country, Mr Khan said.

Events like the Cybersecurity Hackathon help foster a secure digital environment while providing vital skills and opportunities for young cybersecurity professionals, he said.

“It is through such initiatives that we build not only a skilled workforce but also a resilient digital infrastructure that will serve as the backbone of Pakistan’s digital future.

CEO of Ignite, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, emphasised the organisation’s role in establishing the Hackathon as a national brand for cybersecurity talent identification and workforce readiness.

The Digital Pakistan Cyber­security Hackathon has become a singular, national platform for cultivating cybersecurity expertise in Pakistan, he said.

“This year, we conducted cybersecurity awareness sessions and practical training workshops in 16 cities, resulting in over 3,000 individuals completing hands-on cybersecurity training. The launch event in Karachi represents our vision to create a future-ready cybersecurity workforce that will defend Pakistan’s digital borders,” Mr Shaikh said.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024