Islamabad witnessed the launch of Arena, Pakistan’s first multi-tenant Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Virtual Training Environment Platform as a Service (PaaS), where National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) was invited to participate. The initiative has been developed by AirOverflow in collaboration with Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Islamabad and is being seen as a step toward strengthening indigenous cyber capabilities. The event brought together representatives from government, academia, and the private sector, all of whom emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts in shaping a secure digital future for the country.
Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of building local platforms to reduce dependency on foreign hardware and software. He commended AirOverflow for taking the lead in this direction and stated that technological sovereignty is critical to Pakistan’s long-term cybersecurity resilience. During his remarks, he also announced the launch of the National Cyber Nest Program. This initiative aims to equip young graduates, researchers, and professionals with specialized skills, enabling them to contribute toward national cyber defense and indigenous innovation.
In another address, Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, spoke about the value Arena brings to cyber training. He pointed out that the platform’s design is not only for defensive learning but also prepares professionals to understand offensive cyber tactics, which are crucial for anticipating and countering evolving threats. He stressed that cyber resilience cannot be achieved by defensive postures alone and requires holistic preparation across all dimensions of cybersecurity.
The event underscored National CERT’s role as a key stakeholder in Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem. With Arena in place, the aim is to foster a new generation of cyber professionals who are equipped with both practical knowledge and strategic foresight. National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with academia, industry, and government institutions in order to build a strong and self-reliant digital security framework for the country. The launch of Arena is therefore viewed not just as a technological milestone but as an opportunity to create a culture of innovation and preparedness across Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape.
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