𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗠𝗼𝗨 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻

𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘥, 𝘗𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯 – In a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on collaboration, Capacity Building, and Technological Innovation in Cybersecurity. The MoU was signed by Dr. Haider Abbas, (TI), Director General - National CERT, and Air Vice Marshal (R) Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro-Rector RIC, at NUST. Senior representatives from both institutions attended the signing ceremony, including Mr. Altaf Ur Rehman, Director Labs at National CERT, Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Manager Trainings, Capacity Building Directorate at National CERT, NUST’s Rector Lt. Gen. (R) Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, HI (M), Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector of Academics at NUST, Air Vice Marshal (R) Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Principal SEECS, Engr. Muhammad Naeem, Director ICT P&D Directorate, Mr. Kaleem Iqbal Siddiqui, Senior GM Cybersecurity, and Mr. Kashif Akbar, Senior Deputy Director HR (Information Management).

This partnership represents a collaborative effort between National CERT and NUST to leverage resources and expertise in cybersecurity to foster national security, societal advancements, and academic excellence. The MoU between National CERT and NUST outlines a comprehensive partnership designed to address Pakistan's evolving cybersecurity needs. This collaboration will enhance Capacity Building by equipping skilled Human Resources with specialized tools, hands-on training, and practical skills. It also encompasses a wide range of cybersecurity services, including Incident Response, Forensic Investigation, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, and Policy Development, all aimed at bolstering National resilience to cyber threats. Joint research and development initiatives will focus on creating innovative solutions for both national and academic use, with an emphasis on developing technologies tailored to Pakistan's needs, such as SIEM, SOAR, and ZTNA. The MoU also promotes cybersecurity awareness through workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchange programs, while facilitating student internships, job placements, and industry-aligned research opportunities to build a future-ready workforce. Moreover, the partnership seeks to advance AI/ML-driven autonomous cybersecurity systems, encouraging prototype-driven research within academia to bridge the gap between theoretical and applied cybersecurity solutions.

The MoU between National CERT and NUST marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s cybersecurity journey, underlining both parties’ commitment to advancing technological innovation, protecting National interests, and fostering a skilled workforce for the country’s cybersecurity sector.