The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has launched the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, setting the stage for Pakistan’s aspiration to become a regional information technology and cybersecurity leader. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, inaugurated the event on October 30, underscoring the government’s commitment to establishing Pakistan as a pivotal IT hub in the region.
This flagship event, organized by Ignite under the ministry’s auspices, is the first nationwide hackathon designed to identify, train, and promote local cybersecurity talent. The 2024 series will see participation from 521 teams across Pakistan, all competing in challenges that push the boundaries of cybersecurity expertise and foster a skilled workforce prepared to address the nation’s digital security needs.
During the event, Minister Khawaja thanked participants, partners, and organizers for their dedication, calling the hackathon a crucial step in developing Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem. “Events like the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon are instrumental in building an innovation and collaboration-driven cybersecurity environment,” she said. “Pakistan’s recent recognition in the Top Tier-1 (Role-Modelling) of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI_V5) 2024 is a testament to the Ministry’s efforts and the dedication of our industry, academia, and law enforcement stakeholders to enhance our nation’s resilience.”
Secretary IT & Telecom, Zarrar Hasham Khan, highlighted the ministry’s strategic focus on nurturing cybersecurity capabilities nationwide, emphasizing such initiatives’ value. “The ministry remains steadfast in promoting cybersecurity talent development and creating a robust digital infrastructure. Events like this Hackathon foster critical skills for our youth and strengthen Pakistan’s digital defenses,” he stated. “Through such initiatives, we aim to establish a resilient digital framework to support Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation.”
Ignite’s CEO, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, remarked on the significance of the Hackathon as a national platform for developing cybersecurity expertise and preparing a future-ready workforce. “This hackathon has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape,” he said. “In 2024, we provided hands-on cybersecurity training to over 3,000 individuals across 16 cities. The launch in Karachi symbolizes our vision to create a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of defending Pakistan’s digital boundaries.”
He also celebrated the accomplishments of Pakistani cybersecurity talent on international stages, noting the participation of top hackathon teams in global events, including Blackhat in Saudi Arabia. “This international exposure aligns with our vision to showcase Pakistan’s cybersecurity talent globally,” Shaikh added.
The Ministry of IT & Telecom and Ignite reaffirmed their commitment to driving Pakistan’s cybersecurity ambitions, signaling that initiatives like the hackathon are vital for securing Pakistan’s digital future. The event concluded with accolades for the teams and organizers, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey to becoming a cybersecurity leader.
