UET Wins First-Ever NADRA Bug Bounty. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) successfully concluded its first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026, an event aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape. The closing ceremony was held at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad, celebrating the achievements of participants from across the country and marking the successful completion of a nationwide cybersecurity initiative.
Launch of the Bug Bounty Challenge 2026
The Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 was officially launched in January 2026 under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, a strategic program focused on enhancing the security of Pakistan’s digital identity systems. The challenge was designed to encourage responsible vulnerability discovery and advanced security assessment, allowing participants to contribute directly to the protection of sensitive national data.
The program was organized in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Digital Authority, and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT). Together, these organizations aimed to create a platform for students and professionals to showcase their cybersecurity skills while contributing to national digital security.
Nationwide Participation and Regional Rounds
The challenge saw massive participation from universities across Pakistan. A total of 27 teams comprising 88 participants competed in regional rounds hosted at leading institutions, including:
- Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Swabi
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
- University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore
- NED University of Engineering and Technology (NED University), Karachi
In addition to these, 27 partner universities actively participated in the nationwide event, including Sarhad University of Science & Technology Peshawar, University of Gujrat, and Military College of Signals, Rawalpindi. This wide engagement ensured representation from diverse regions and promoted a culture of cybersecurity awareness among young talent.
Top Performing Teams Recognized
The final round at NADRA Headquarters highlighted the best performers, with awards presented to top teams for their exceptional contribution. UET Lahore (Faisalabad Campus) secured the first position, demonstrating outstanding technical skills and innovative approaches to identifying vulnerabilities.
The second prize went to the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, while teams from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro and International Islamic University Islamabad received consolation prizes for their commendable performance.
The recognition not only celebrated talent but also emphasized the importance of collaborative cybersecurity efforts across educational institutions in Pakistan.
Key Objectives of the Bug Bounty Challenge
According to Dr. Monis Akhlaq, Chief Information Security Officer of NADRA, the Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 marks a new approach in engaging cybersecurity talent in Pakistan. The initiative focused on:
- Building confidence and technical capability among participants
- Encouraging responsible reporting of vulnerabilities
- Promoting a shared sense of national responsibility among emerging cybersecurity professionals
Beyond awards, the challenge aimed to empower young professionals to contribute meaningfully to national cybersecurity objectives and foster a culture of ethical hacking and secure coding practices.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Digital Security
With Pakistan increasingly relying on digital identity systems for government and public services, initiatives like the NADRA Bug Bounty Challenge play a crucial role in ensuring robust cybersecurity measures. By involving universities and students, the program helps identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, thereby strengthening the resilience of critical digital infrastructure.
Experts believe that this challenge will create a sustainable talent pipeline for the cybersecurity sector, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Collaboration with Academia and Industry
The challenge’s success was largely attributed to strong collaboration between NADRA, HEC, PKCERT, and partner universities. Regional rounds conducted in multiple cities allowed students to gain hands-on experience and compete in a controlled and professional environment.
This collaboration also ensured that students were exposed to real-world cybersecurity scenarios, providing a practical understanding of how vulnerabilities can impact national digital systems.
Impact on Emerging Cybersecurity Talent
The NADRA Bug Bounty Challenge not only rewarded winners but also helped participants develop critical skills in cybersecurity. From ethical hacking techniques to vulnerability reporting, students and young professionals gained valuable experience that will benefit their future careers.
Moreover, initiatives like these boost national awareness of cybersecurity, preparing the next generation of experts to safeguard Pakistan’s growing digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
The first-ever NADRA Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 has set a benchmark for cybersecurity initiatives in Pakistan. By combining talent from universities, industry expertise, and national security priorities, the event successfully fostered innovation, ethical hacking practices, and national responsibility.
