The Director General of Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team National CERT, Eng. Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, has been awarded the IEEE Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of cybersecurity. The award is one of the most respected honors conferred by IEEE and acknowledges individuals whose work has demonstrated long term impact on technology, research, and professional practice at a global level.
Dr. Haider Abbas has spent several decades shaping the cybersecurity landscape through a combination of academic excellence, policy leadership, and institutional development. His work spans cybersecurity research, national cyber resilience frameworks, human capacity building, and the development of policies aligned with international standards. Over the years, he has played a central role in strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem by promoting structured approaches to cyber risk management, secure digital infrastructure, and cross sector collaboration. His efforts have also contributed to building trust between public institutions, private organizations, and international partners working to address evolving cyber threats.
As Director General of National CERT, Dr. Abbas has led a number of strategic initiatives aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s critical information infrastructure and improving national readiness against cyber incidents. Under his leadership, National CERT has focused on developing indigenous cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing incident response coordination, and promoting awareness of cyber hygiene across government and industry. These initiatives have helped improve the country’s ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats while supporting a more resilient digital environment for citizens and businesses alike. His leadership has also emphasized collaboration with global cybersecurity bodies, allowing Pakistan to actively participate in international dialogues on cyber norms, standards, and best practices.
The IEEE Lifetime Achievement Award reflects Dr. Abbas’s exceptional professional standing within the global cybersecurity community. It recognizes not only his technical and strategic contributions but also his role as a mentor and thought leader who has helped shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. His engagement with academic institutions, training programs, and policy forums has supported long term capacity building and knowledge transfer, which remain critical for addressing complex and rapidly changing cyber risks. The recognition further highlights Pakistan’s growing visibility in international cybersecurity forums and underscores the country’s contribution to global efforts aimed at securing cyberspace.
National CERT has expressed deep pride in this distinguished recognition of its leadership. The award is seen as a reflection of the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national cyber resilience and advancing excellence in cybersecurity practices. The acknowledgment of Dr. Haider Abbas’s contributions reinforces the importance of sustained investment in cybersecurity governance, skills development, and international cooperation. It also signals the value of consistent leadership in building credible and effective national institutions capable of responding to emerging digital challenges.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
