National CERT Pakistan and Centre for National Cohesion (CENCO), operating under Lok Virsa, National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening national cohesion, responsible digital citizenship, and digital resilience across the country. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Islamabad between Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, and Muhammad Waqas Saleem, Executive Director of National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to addressing social and digital challenges through coordinated efforts that combine cybersecurity awareness, community engagement, research, and educational initiatives.
The partnership seeks to promote a secure and resilient digital ecosystem while encouraging inclusive citizenship and constructive online engagement. Under the terms of the agreement, National CERT and CENCO will work together on a range of activities, including awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, workshops, research initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement efforts. These initiatives are intended to strengthen social resilience and support responsible behavior in digital spaces. The collaboration places particular emphasis on addressing issues such as online social fragmentation, intolerance, and harmful digital behavior, while encouraging positive participation and meaningful dialogue among citizens. By combining expertise in cybersecurity awareness with initiatives focused on social cohesion and cultural engagement, both organizations aim to contribute to a more informed and digitally responsible society.
A significant focus of the partnership will be engaging youth, scholars, artists, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders through programs designed to promote digital literacy and responsible online conduct. The two organizations plan to create platforms for dialogue and learning that encourage constructive digital engagement and strengthen public understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the digital age. Through workshops, awareness sessions, and collaborative research projects, the initiative aims to build greater resilience against online harms while fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect. The agreement also highlights the importance of addressing emerging societal challenges through education, capacity building, and public awareness efforts that support both cybersecurity objectives and broader national development goals.
Officials from both organizations described the partnership as an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s ability to address contemporary social and digital challenges through cooperation and knowledge sharing. The collaboration reflects a broader vision of creating a digitally secure environment while promoting cultural cohesion, social stability, and responsible digital participation. As digital platforms continue to play an increasingly important role in communication, education, and public discourse, initiatives that combine cybersecurity awareness with social resilience are becoming increasingly relevant. Through joint campaigns, research activities, educational programs, and community outreach efforts, National CERT and CENCO aim to support the development of a digitally aware and socially cohesive society capable of navigating the opportunities and challenges of an interconnected world. The partnership underscores the commitment of both institutions to advancing digital safety, strengthening public awareness, and fostering a resilient and inclusive digital future for Pakistan.
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