The 5th International Conference on Communication Technologies (ComTech-2025) concluded on a high note after two dynamic days filled with forward-thinking dialogue and collaboration in Rawalpindi. Jointly organized by the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) and the Military College of Signals – National University of Sciences and Technology (MCS-NUST), the conference solidified Pakistan’s growing role in shaping the global cybersecurity landscape.
ComTech-2025 served as a platform for leading voices in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and communication technologies to convene, exchange knowledge, and inspire new research directions. The event kicked off with a powerful keynote from Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT. In his opening remarks, Dr. Abbas emphasized the rising significance of cybersecurity, stating, “Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it is a national necessity. As threats evolve, so must our approaches.” His address set the tone for the critical discussions that followed, aligning with Pakistan’s broader digital transformation and national resilience agenda.
One of the standout sessions was the expert panel titled “Securing Pakistan’s Digital Landscape: The Role of AI and Cybersecurity.” The session was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Shahzaib Tahir, PhD, and featured an esteemed lineup of international and local cybersecurity experts, including Prof. Dr. Arnold Beckmann, Prof. Dr. Siraj Ahmed Shaikh, Prof. Dr. Muttukrishnan Rajarajan, and Dr. Abbas. The discussion revolved around how emerging AI technologies can be harnessed for national cybersecurity strategy, providing a roadmap for the integration of automation and intelligence in defense mechanisms.
In parallel to the expert sessions, ComTech-2025 also celebrated academic excellence and innovation. The conference hosted a dedicated segment for Academic Research Paper Proceedings. Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), and Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building, chaired the sessions within the Information Security track. These sessions highlighted emerging trends in research and provided a platform for academics to contribute directly to the country’s cybersecurity development.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event was the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, which allowed emerging researchers and students to showcase their work concisely and impactfully. The judging panel featured prominent experts including Dr. Usman Akram (TI), Mr. Khurram Javed, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Bhatti, Dr. Attiq Ahmad, and Mr. Syed Imran Haider. The competition not only spotlighted fresh ideas but also encouraged the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to engage with real-world digital challenges.
The entire conference was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the National CERT’s Capacity Building team. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the seamless execution of a large-scale, high-impact event. This successful collaboration between National CERT and MCS-NUST demonstrates a growing commitment to cybersecurity development at institutional and national levels.
ComTech-2025 has further strengthened National CERT’s mission to foster a resilient and secure digital ecosystem in Pakistan. It reflected a critical step forward in aligning national cyber capabilities with global standards, reinforcing the need for continuous innovation, skilled human capital, and strategic partnerships in the face of an evolving digital threat landscape.
