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The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched its first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity of Pakistan’s digital identity systems. The program is organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PakCERT).
The competition, which is team-based, seeks to encourage responsible identification of vulnerabilities and promote ethical cybersecurity practices. It will bring together students, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity professionals from universities and partner institutions across the country.
Regional rounds are set to begin on January 27, 2026, at major universities including GIKI Swabi, NUST Islamabad, UET Lahore, NED University Karachi, and BUITEMS Quetta. The final ceremony will take place at NADRA headquarters in Islamabad, with the date to be announced later.
Speaking about the initiative, NADRA officials emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and ensuring public confidence in the nation’s digital identity ecosystem. Cybersecurity experts have long stressed that proactive measures like this can help safeguard sensitive personal data against growing digital threats.
This initiative marks a significant step for Pakistan, where the use of digital identification is steadily increasing. Encouraging young professionals and students to actively participate in securing digital platforms not only builds practical skills but also reinforces a culture of ethical responsibility in the country’s tech community.
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, initiatives like NADRA’s Bug Bounty Challenge are more than just competitions, they are an investment in trust, talent, and the country’s digital future.
