Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT), under the Government of Pakistan, is organizing a two-day national cybersecurity initiative titled Cyber Muhafiz – Defenders of the Digital Realm, scheduled to take place on July 23 and 24 at the FAST-NUCES Islamabad campus, located on A.K. Brohi Road, H-11/4. The event is being co-hosted by FAST National University and PKCERT, with the objective of strengthening cybersecurity preparedness and fostering practical skills among both public sector professionals and the broader tech community.
Cyber Muhafiz is structured as a two-day activity comprising a dedicated cyber drill on the first day, which will be exclusive to the government sector, and a cybersecurity hackathon on the second day that will be open for public participation through online registration. The hackathon invites teams to engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges, encouraging them to devise secure digital solutions under time constraints and simulated threat environments. Participants will gain hands-on experience in managing cyber incidents, applying security frameworks, and understanding key vulnerabilities, bridging the gap between policy and practical application.
The initiative serves as an important step in building national cybersecurity capabilities and awareness. It reflects PKCERT’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s cyberspace by engaging stakeholders across the cybersecurity ecosystem. By simulating live scenarios and creating collaborative problem-solving environments, the event aims to prepare participants for evolving digital threats and promote innovation in the field of cyber defense.
To register for the hackathon, teams can scan the provided QR code or visit the registration link https://forms.gle/urwiArzfnXoddmxu7. Interested participants are encouraged to enroll early due to limited capacity. PKCERT is also providing contact options via their website www.pkcert.gov.pk or email at info@pkcert.gov.pk for further inquiries.
Events like Cyber Muhafiz are instrumental in fostering a cybersecurity-aware culture while equipping professionals and students alike with tools and knowledge necessary to protect Pakistan’s digital assets. With the combined efforts of PKCERT and academic partners such as FAST-NUCES, this initiative is positioned to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growing cyber readiness.