The Pakistan School on Internet Governance (PKSIG) is set to hold its 12th edition in Abbottabad from September 21 to 24, 2026, bringing together technology professionals, policymakers and other participants for a four day capacity building programme focused on internet governance and digital development. The four day programme will examine several areas connected to Pakistan digital environment, including cybersecurity and cyber crimes, cyber laws and privacy, Digital Pakistan and online businesses, as well as digital freedoms and international fellowships. The event is intended to provide participants with an opportunity to understand developments and challenges surrounding internet governance while engaging with professionals and stakeholders from different areas of the technology ecosystem. PKSIG has previously held editions in cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Gilgit, and the 2026 edition will take the programme to Abbottabad. The event is expected to provide a platform for participants to discuss issues related to cybersecurity, digital rights, privacy, online businesses and the broader governance of digital technologies.
The programme is being supported by a group of technology and internet organizations, government bodies and industry stakeholders. Partners named in the announcement include the Internet Society Foundation, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, Meta, Google, PTA, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Cybernet. A volunteer team led by Parvez Iftikhar is also involved in organizing the programme. The participation of organizations working across internet infrastructure, technology, policy and digital services is expected to contribute different perspectives to discussions during the four day event. The programme will bring participants together to examine how policies, laws, technical developments and digital rights intersect with the growth of internet services and online activities.
PKSIG 2026 will also offer a limited number of fellowships for deserving applicants from Abbottabad and surrounding less-developed regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The fellowship opportunity is intended to provide selected applicants from these areas with access to the capacity building programme. Organizers have described the participant selection process as competitive and encouraged interested applicants to apply before the deadline. Applications for the programme will remain open until August 31, 2026, while prospective participants can review the programme details and complete registration through the links provided by the organizers. The event will be hosted in Abbottabad from September 21 to 24, providing participants with four days of sessions and discussions focused on internet governance.
The 12th edition of PKSIG comes as issues surrounding cybersecurity, online privacy, digital freedoms and internet governance continue to receive attention among technology professionals and policymakers. By bringing these subjects together in one programme, the event will provide participants with opportunities to learn about different aspects of the digital environment and interact with people working across the technology and policy sectors. The inclusion of Digital Pakistan and online businesses also places focus on the relationship between internet governance and the growth of digital services. With the application deadline set for August 31, interested technology enthusiasts, professionals and policymakers will have a limited period to apply for participation in the Abbottabad programme.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
