Islamabad, Pakistan: National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan, commonly known as National CERT, has entered into a strategic partnership with Institute of Regional Studies through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing national cybersecurity research, institutional cooperation, and human capacity development. The agreement represents a step toward closer coordination between technical cybersecurity institutions and policy focused research bodies at a time when digital threats are becoming more complex and interconnected with national security considerations.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, and Ambassador Jauhar Saleem Saleem, President of Institute of Regional Studies. The signing ceremony underscored the shared intent of both organizations to strengthen collaboration in areas where cybersecurity policy, research, and operational readiness intersect. By bringing together National CERT’s technical mandate and incident response expertise with Institute of Regional Studies’ policy research and strategic analysis capabilities, the partnership seeks to support more informed decision making and coordinated responses to emerging cyber risks facing Pakistan.
Under the terms of the agreement, National CERT and Institute of Regional Studies will work jointly on a range of initiatives including collaborative research projects, expert exchanges, training and capacity building programs, internship opportunities, and public awareness activities related to cybersecurity. The partnership is designed to help bridge the gap between policy formulation and technical implementation, an area often cited as a challenge in addressing cyber threats at the national level. Through joint efforts, both organizations aim to contribute to the development of evidence based cybersecurity policies while also strengthening the skills and preparedness of professionals working in the field.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Haider Abbas emphasized that cybersecurity has become an indispensable pillar of national security in an increasingly digital and interconnected threat environment. He highlighted that no single institution can address the full spectrum of cyber challenges in isolation, stressing the importance of collaborative and research driven approaches. According to Dr Abbas, partnerships such as this one enable the generation of actionable insights, support the development of skilled human capital, and help build a resilient digital ecosystem capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats. He noted that aligning technical expertise with strategic research is essential for anticipating risks and responding effectively to incidents that may have national or regional implications.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem Saleem echoed these views, stating that the collaboration reflects the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a critical dimension of both national and regional security. He said that as cyber issues increasingly influence diplomacy, economic stability, and state resilience, there is a clear need for sustained engagement between policy institutions and technical agencies. The partnership, he added, would allow Institute of Regional Studies to contribute its research strengths to practical cybersecurity challenges while also deepening understanding of the strategic implications of cyber developments in the region.
The collaboration aligns with National CERT’s broader mandate to enhance Pakistan’s cyber resilience through partnerships with academic, research, and policy institutions. By fostering cooperation that spans research, training, and awareness, the initiative aims to support a more coordinated national approach to cybersecurity. Both organizations indicated that the MoU would serve as a framework for long term engagement, enabling them to respond more effectively to emerging digital threats while contributing to a secure and sustainable digital future for Pakistan.
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