Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 Launched to Bolster National Cybersecurity Talent

Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, launched the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 in Karachi, kicking off a national event aimed at establishing Pakistan as a key player in the cybersecurity domain. The hackathon, organized by Ignite under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, will feature 521 teams from across Pakistan, engaging in cybersecurity challenges to sharpen skills and identify top local talent.

“Events like this are crucial to developing a collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem in Pakistan,” Minister Khawaja stated, highlighting the government’s dedication to creating a robust digital future for the nation. Recognizing Pakistan’s recent achievement of ranking in Tier-1 on the ITU-Global Cybersecurity Index, she lauded the nation’s advancements in cybersecurity, achieved through collaboration among government, industry, and academia.

Secretary IT & Telecom, Zarrar Hasham Khan, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to cybersecurity training and workforce development, noting that events like the hackathon foster a more secure digital environment while equipping young professionals with critical skills.

CEO of Ignite, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, shared the organization’s vision of making the hackathon a national brand. “This year, we’ve conducted training in 16 cities, with over 3,000 individuals receiving hands-on experience in cybersecurity,” he stated, adding that top teams have represented Pakistan on global platforms like Blackhat in Saudi Arabia.

As the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon gains momentum, both public and private sectors are aligning efforts to promote a skilled, resilient cybersecurity workforce ready to defend Pakistan’s digital landscape.