Amir Saeed

Pakistan’s rapidly growing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence sectors are gaining global recognition through skilled professionals, innovative education, and expanding international collaborations.

Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), highlighted that Pakistan has recently made headlines on the global stage for its rising excellence in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. “What began as a largely unnoticed segment of Pakistan’s tech landscape is now being celebrated internationally, with Pakistani cybersecurity experts gaining recognition and demand across borders,” he noted.

This newfound recognition, Zohaib emphasised, has its roots in the country’s consistent efforts to develop a robust digital defence framework to protect national digital assets. “A symbolic turning point was when a popular Netflix series referenced hiring a cybersecurity expert from Pakistan. What was once seen as fiction has become a growing reality,” he said.

Zohaib noted that the global community is beginning to see through years of IT outsourcing patterns that favoured countries like India. “Many international clients have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of delivery, often citing low prices but poor performance. In contrast, Pakistan’s tech sector is now being applauded for its discipline, skill, and technical delivery, proving itself as a reliable alternative.”

What truly stands out, according to Zohaib, is the emergence of what some call Pakistan’s “cyber army” —a group of highly skilled professionals from both public and private sectors who are now being recruited by global firms to secure databases, applications, and networks. “Pakistani IT firms have started receiving increased inquiries from international partners seeking cybersecurity services.”

“Pakistan is also making strong strides in broader tech domains, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital transformation, animation, and gaming,” said Zohaib, highlighting that cybersecurity education is becoming more institutionalised, with universities rapidly updating their curriculums to match international standards.

“The demand for Pakistani cybersecurity experts is rising in tandem with these advancements. Pakistan’s skill-based approach is also helping reshape global perceptions. While misinformation and scams have marred the reputation of other regional players, Pakistani professionals have stood out through responsible, targeted, and effective cyber strategies, especially during recent periods of heightened geopolitical tension,” he noted.

Talking to WealthPK, Anees Amin, Chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan Software House Association (GBSHA), said that Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with young professionals now focusing on advanced areas like penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

He pointed out that Pakistani experts are increasingly contributing to global projects, particularly in securing cloud environments and critical infrastructure. He believed that the international demand for Pakistani talent is not just due to technical skills, but also because of their adaptability and strong work ethics.

He stressed the importance of continuous learning and collaboration, noting that Pakistan’s cybersecurity community is actively sharing knowledge and best practices, which is helping the country further establish its reputation as a trusted source of cybersecurity expertise.

Credit: INP-WealthPk