ISLAMABAD, SEPT 3: /DNA/ – At the launch event of Arena, Pakistan’s first multi-tenant Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Virtual Training Environment Platform as a Service (PaaS), organized by AirOverflow in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Islamabad, experts emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated national cybersecurity strategy. The Institute of Regional Studies, headed by its Head of Cybersecurity Ms. Alina Fayaz, played a pivotal role in hosting the discussion that brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, opened the session by highlighting the significance of cyber resilience for national security. He noted that in today’s world, cyberattacks have become a central instrument of conflict and instability, citing recent regional incidents as reminders of Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. Ambassador Saleem emphasized that strong linkages between government, academia, and industry are essential, drawing comparisons with advanced economies where these partnerships drive technological progress. “Cybersecurity must be treated as a national priority, and today’s discussion is a step toward that direction,” he remarked.
Building on this, Osama Nusair, CEO and Founder of AirOverflow, introduced Arena, describing it as more than a platform and instead a complete ecosystem for learning, innovation, and digital defense. He explained that Arena integrates Capture the Flag competitions, cyber wargames, attack-defense labs, and structured learning paths to bridge the gap between theory and practice. “This initiative is not just about technology, but about building a resilient and empowered cybersecurity community for Pakistan,” Nusair said.
Echoing these views, Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of NCERT, congratulated AirOverflow for pioneering such an initiative. He emphasized that Pakistan must reduce dependency on foreign hardware and software, which currently accounts for the majority of its technological infrastructure. He also announced the launch of the National Cyber Nest program to train young graduates, researchers, and professionals in advanced skills, describing it as a game-changer for strengthening indigenous capabilities.
Adding his perspective, Dr. Khurram, Director of Capacity Development at the National CERT, commended Arena as a homegrown product that strengthens both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. He noted that true cybersecurity requires not only defensive postures but also offensive training to understand adversary tactics.
In continuation, Dr. Mukaram Khan, Director General Cyber Vigilance and Chief Information Security Officer at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), detailed the regulator’s efforts to secure Pakistan’s telecom sector, which carries more than 85 percent of the country’s data traffic. He highlighted the Critical Communication Infrastructure Security Evaluation framework and the establishment of a national Security Operations Center as milestones that transformed security compliance across telecom operators.
Contributing further, Dr. Kashif Kifayat, Director of NCCS, joined the session virtually and encouraged youth to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. He noted that Pakistan must produce world-class, competitive professionals and products to survive in the global digital economy.
Sharing an academic outlook, Dr. Atif Ali, researcher and academic, emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies in cybersecurity. He argued that platforms like Arena represent not just technical solutions but strategic assets for Pakistan.
Closing the panel, Ms. Sonia Saleem, technology entrepreneur, spoke about the importance of certifications, training, and skill development for both men and women in Pakistan. She highlighted the role of inclusive education in cybersecurity and the need to ensure equal opportunities in employment.
Following the remarks, a brief question-and-answer session was held, allowing participants to share perspectives, ask questions, and explore areas for collaboration.
The launch concluded with Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, thanking the distinguished speakers and audience. In his closing remarks, he reaffirmed IRS’s commitment, under the leadership of Ms. Alina Fayaz, to continue fostering dialogue, partnerships, and practical initiatives for advancing Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape.
