National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ISC2 Islamabad Chapter to strengthen Pakistan cybersecurity workforce, professional capacity, research, and national cyber resilience. The agreement formalizes a strategic collaboration between the two organizations with the objective of supporting workforce development, expanding cybersecurity knowledge, and encouraging cooperation among government, academia, and industry. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, and Saad Moten, President of ISC2 Islamabad Chapter, in the presence of representatives from both organizations. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities and supporting long term capacity building initiatives across Pakistan.
ISC2 is internationally recognized as a nonprofit membership organization for cybersecurity professionals and is known for developing globally accepted cybersecurity standards and certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential. Through the newly established collaboration, National CERT and ISC2 Islamabad Chapter will work together on a range of initiatives designed to improve cybersecurity education, professional development, and technical expertise. The partnership includes plans for joint research projects, certification awareness programs, workshops, seminars, mentoring activities, knowledge sharing, and workforce development initiatives. Both organizations also intend to promote cybersecurity awareness campaigns, particularly within government institutions, while encouraging technical discussions on emerging cyber threats, industry trends, and cybersecurity best practices.
The Memorandum of Understanding also outlines broader objectives aimed at strengthening cooperation across different sectors involved in cybersecurity. National CERT and ISC2 Islamabad Chapter will collaborate to build stronger connections between government organizations, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders in support of Pakistan cybersecurity ecosystem. The partnership will encourage the development of cybersecurity laboratories, support innovation focused initiatives, and facilitate internship and mentorship opportunities for students seeking careers in cybersecurity. In addition, experienced professionals from both organizations are expected to contribute technical expertise and industry knowledge to national cybersecurity initiatives. By combining resources and professional experience, the collaboration aims to help address the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals while supporting the development of practical knowledge and technical capabilities required to respond to evolving cyber risks.
National CERT stated that the partnership forms part of its broader efforts to foster a skilled, connected, and future ready cybersecurity community capable of addressing the country’s evolving cyber threat landscape. Through cooperation with ISC2 Islamabad Chapter, the organization seeks to strengthen national resilience by supporting education, research, professional certification awareness, workforce development, and collaboration across multiple sectors. The agreement also highlights the importance of continuous learning and knowledge exchange as organizations respond to increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity challenges. By bringing together expertise from government institutions and one of the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organizations, the collaboration is expected to contribute to stronger cybersecurity capabilities, improved professional standards, and greater cooperation among stakeholders working to enhance Pakistan national cyber resilience
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