The Cybersecurity Department at the Institute of Regional Studies, in collaboration with AirOverflow, formally launched Arena, a multi-tenant cybersecurity learning and training platform designed to advance Pakistan’s cyber resilience. The event gathered policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry stakeholders in a panel discussion to highlight the growing importance of indigenous solutions in addressing national cybersecurity challenges.
Among the panelists were Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, Dr. Haider Abbas, DG National CERT, Dr. Mukaram Khan, DG Cyber Vigilance and CISO at PTA, Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, Dr. Kashif Kifayat, Professor at the University of KhorFakkan and Director NCCS, Dr. Atif Ali, Postdoctoral researcher in AI and Member of NITB, and Dr. Sonia Saleem, Founder of Social Engineering Technologies and Focal Person on EdTech and Employability at PMYP. Their discussion centered on the pressing need to build localized cybersecurity frameworks tailored to Pakistan’s unique risks, rather than relying solely on global models.
Speakers emphasized that as digital adoption accelerates across government, business, and society, cybersecurity has become integral to both national security and economic growth. Platforms such as Arena, which provide immersive training environments, competitions, and simulation labs, were seen as critical tools to prepare a skilled workforce. The panelists also underlined the significance of collaboration between academia, government institutions, and the private sector in developing long-term cyber strategies, capacity-building programs, and regulatory frameworks that can respond to evolving threats.
The launch was also recognized as a step toward establishing a comprehensive ecosystem where talent development, research, and public-private cooperation converge. By engaging multiple stakeholders, Arena aims to create a sustainable environment for skill development, threat analysis, and innovation in cybersecurity practices. The event was organized under the leadership of Alina Fayaz and Hasib Ahmed, whose efforts in convening diverse voices from across sectors were appreciated by participants.
In their concluding remarks, panelists called for sustained investment in national-level platforms like Arena, which not only provide training but also foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and innovation. The platform was described as a national resource that can strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global cybersecurity arena while equipping its youth with the technical expertise required to safeguard the digital economy.
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