A significant milestone has been achieved by students and graduates from School of Mathematics and Computer Science at IBA Karachi as their cybersecurity training platform HackZoneLabs has received official approval from National CERT Pakistan. The platform has also been added to National Indigenous Cyber Solutions Registry, highlighting the growing contribution of local talent to Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
HackZoneLabs is a cybersecurity training and education platform that was indigenously developed by Computer Science graduates from IBA Karachi. The platform focuses on strengthening cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills for students, professionals, and technology enthusiasts. With the approval from National CERT Pakistan and its inclusion in National Indigenous Cyber Solutions Registry, the initiative represents an important recognition of locally built technological solutions that aim to address cybersecurity challenges within the country. The approval reflects confidence in the platform’s capabilities and its potential role in supporting cybersecurity capacity building in Pakistan.
The development team behind HackZoneLabs includes Ahmar Ayaz, Haider Saeed Khan, Ali Asghar Hussain, and Rayyan Masood, all of whom contributed to the design and implementation of the platform. Their work demonstrates the ability of young professionals in Pakistan to develop meaningful cybersecurity tools and learning environments that align with national priorities. The recognition by National CERT Pakistan not only acknowledges their efforts but also signals growing support for locally developed digital security initiatives that can strengthen the country’s technological resilience and training infrastructure.
Support from key stakeholders played an important role in the success of the initiative. Appreciation was extended to Haider Abbas, DG and Head of National CERT Pakistan, and Asif Raza Kazmi, Director of Technology Development Center at National CERT Pakistan, for their support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the process. Their role helped facilitate the recognition and integration of HackZoneLabs within National Indigenous Cyber Solutions Registry, which is designed to highlight and support cybersecurity technologies developed within Pakistan. This registry aims to promote innovation, strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, and encourage the development of indigenous solutions to address evolving digital security requirements.
Academic mentorship and institutional backing also contributed to the project’s progress. Special appreciation was expressed for Mian Muhammad Waseem Iqbal, who served as Scientific and Academic Advisor to the initiative alongside faculty leadership. Within IBA Karachi, the efforts were supported by Shakeel Khoja, Dean of School of Mathematics and Computer Science, and Shahid Hussain, Chairperson of Department of Computer Science. Their continued encouragement of student driven innovation and research helped create an environment where technology development and practical cybersecurity education could flourish. The achievement highlights the potential of students and graduates from Pakistani institutions to contribute to national technology development through research, collaboration, and innovation, while strengthening Pakistan’s broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
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