KARACHI: Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced that Pakistan has been recognized in the Top Tier-1 (Role-Modelling) of the ITU-Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI-V5) 2024. This ranking reflects Pakistan’s significant progress in enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure and resilience.
Speaking at the launch event of the ‘Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024’ in Karachi on Wednesday, Ms. Khawaja highlighted that this achievement is a result of the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including the government, industry, academia, and law enforcement agencies. She reiterated the government’s ambition to transform Pakistan into a hub of information technology.
The hackathon, organized by Ignite under the Ministry of IT and Telecom, marks the beginning of a nationwide series of competitions. A total of 521 teams from across Pakistan will participate in cybersecurity challenges aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting local talent in this crucial field.
Ms. Khawaja expressed her gratitude to all participants, partner organizations, and organizers who contributed to the success of the Karachi launch. She emphasized the importance of events like the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon in fostering an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity.
Secretary IT and Telecom, Zarrar Hasham Khan, highlighted the ministry’s dedication to developing national cybersecurity expertise and capabilities. He stressed that the Ministry of IT and Telecom is committed to initiatives that support the development and innovation of cybersecurity talent across the country.
Mr. Khan stated, “Events like the Cybersecurity Hackathon help foster a secure digital environment while providing vital skills and opportunities for young cybersecurity professionals. 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.”
Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, underscored the organization’s role in establishing the Hackathon as a national brand for cybersecurity talent identification and workforce readiness. He noted, “The Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon has become a singular, national platform for cultivating cybersecurity expertise in Pakistan.”
Mr. Shaikh added, “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.”
