AirOverflow officially launched Arena, Pakistan’s first multi-tenant cybersecurity learning and training platform, marking a significant step in advancing the country’s digital defense capabilities. The event brought together government representatives, regulators, and academics who exchanged views on how indigenous initiatives can strengthen national resilience against evolving cyber threats.
The panel featured Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of National CERT, Dr. Mukaram Khan, DG Cyber Vigilance and CISO at PTA, Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, Dr. Kashif Kifayat, Dr. Sonia Saleem, Founder of Social Engineering Technologies, and Dr. Atif Ali, Postdoctoral researcher in AI and member of NITB. Collectively, they addressed the growing importance of collaboration between state institutions, private enterprises, and academia in shaping cybersecurity frameworks tailored to Pakistan’s unique needs.
Speakers emphasized that Arena should be viewed not only as a platform but as part of an ecosystem designed to foster hands-on training, research, and innovation. Through practical exercises, simulated environments, and structured programs, Arena is expected to create opportunities for young professionals to develop critical technical skills while building stronger linkages between academia and industry. Discussions highlighted that as Pakistan accelerates its digital transformation, cybersecurity must be seen as integral to both national security and economic stability.
The launch underscored the urgency of establishing capacity-building models that go beyond theoretical approaches. By introducing a shared digital space where regulators, educators, and innovators converge, Arena aims to generate a sustainable impact on Pakistan’s cybersecurity workforce. The platform’s emphasis on learning, collaboration, and innovation aligns with broader efforts to position the country as a credible participant in global digital ecosystems.
Panelists further noted that strengthening national cyber resilience requires localized approaches rather than complete reliance on international templates. They praised Arena for taking this direction, offering a framework that integrates technical training with real-world problem solving. With diverse expertise contributing to its development, the platform is expected to play a pivotal role in preparing Pakistan’s institutions and professionals to respond effectively to the challenges of an increasingly connected digital environment.
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