Pakistan’s cybersecurity capabilities took center stage at GISEC Global 2025, the Middle East’s premier cybersecurity event held from May 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, as seven homegrown tech startups showcased groundbreaking innovations aimed at addressing global digital security challenges. Representing the country under the Ignite National Technology Fund pavilion, these startups highlighted the technological strides Pakistan is making in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT security, and digital trust.
Ignite, a public sector innovation fund working under Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, played a pivotal role in organizing the Pakistani delegation. Their participation underscored the country’s expanding footprint in the global cybersecurity ecosystem, proving that Pakistani startups are not only keeping pace with the world’s best but are also leading the way in some critical areas of innovation.
Each of the seven startups brought a unique cybersecurity solution to the global stage. Compliance Machine.ai, for instance, introduced Pakistan’s first SaaS-based compliance automation platform designed to reduce operational costs by over 50%, helping organizations streamline governance. ThingzEye Pvt Ltd focused on industrial-grade cybersecurity with its IoT firewalls and real-time threat detection systems for securing connected infrastructure.
PKIChain impressed attendees with its blockchain-powered system for secure SSL/TLS certificate issuance and validation, targeting the core of internet security. Meanwhile, Whisper Frames demonstrated the power of deep learning by embedding digital ownership metadata into content, offering protection against copyright infringement and digital piracy.
Another highlight was Cys.AI, which developed an AI-powered browser extension aimed at preventing cyberbullying and online abuse, demonstrating the societal relevance of cybersecurity tools. Securitanium – Phishstop.ai offered a defense against one of the most persistent threats in digital communication — phishing — by leveraging AI to counter even sophisticated, text-based phishing schemes that bypass traditional detection systems. Rounding off the list was SmartSphere Technologies – GuardianAI, with its real-time compliance and security monitoring for AI-enabled systems in sensitive industries such as finance and healthcare.
The event also attracted high-level praise from both government and industry stakeholders. Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, lauded the startups, stating that their participation aligned with Pakistan’s broader digital strategy: “These startups reflect our national vision to build a secure, innovative digital ecosystem. Through platforms like GISEC, we aim to connect Pakistan’s tech talent with global opportunities and drive cybersecurity excellence.”
Echoing her sentiments, Mr. Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, emphasized the importance of such international exposure: “Our presence at GISEC demonstrates the immense potential of Pakistani startups in solving global cybersecurity challenges. We are proud to support their growth through innovation and international outreach.”
Beyond showcasing products, the event allowed these startups to network with global cybersecurity experts, potential investors, and enterprise partners from across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Their participation provided a gateway for strategic alliances, venture capital opportunities, and B2B growth initiatives, reinforcing the role of Pakistani startups in shaping global digital trust infrastructure.
With cyber threats growing more complex and widespread, Pakistan is gradually emerging as a proactive contributor to global digital security solutions — not just as a user of international tech, but as an originator of homegrown innovation. Events like GISEC offer crucial platforms for Pakistan’s tech entrepreneurs to display their capabilities, helping turn the vision of a secure and self-reliant “Digital Pakistan” into reality.
