
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the University of Management and Technology (UMT) have signed an MoU to strengthen cyber security education, research, innovation, and digital defence capabilities in Pakistan.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the University of Management and Technology (UMT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cyber security education, research collaboration, and digital defence capabilities in Pakistan.
According to Dawn and The News International, the partnership seeks to promote academic cooperation, innovation, and capacity building in emerging technology fields while strengthening the country’s cyber security ecosystem.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said the collaboration represents a significant step towards advancing cyber resilience in Pakistan.
“The strategic partnership is aimed to strengthen cyber security education, innovation, and digital defence in Pakistan,” he stated.
Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly undertake research and development (R&D) projects in cyber security and work together to secure national and international research grants. The collaboration is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange between academia and law enforcement institutions, helping address evolving cyber threats and technological challenges.
The MoU also provides for the organisation of workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing sessions for faculty members and students. These initiatives will focus on practical skills development and awareness of emerging cyber security trends.
As part of the NCCIA’s “Tech 2.0 Initiative,” the agency will provide guidance and mentorship for final-year student projects in specialised areas including “blockchain, cloud computing, and malware analysis.”
In addition, NCCIA representatives will join UMT’s advisory board to support curriculum development and ensure academic programmes remain aligned with emerging technological requirements and industry needs.
According to officials, the collaboration is designed to strengthen institutional links between academia and cyber security practitioners while promoting innovation-driven solutions to digital security challenges.
The agreement also reflects broader efforts to build a skilled cyber workforce capable of supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda and safeguarding critical information infrastructure.
Both organisations expressed their commitment to fostering research, innovation, and professional development in cyber security, with a focus on preparing future professionals to address increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
