The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) successfully concluded its first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad, marking a milestone in the nation’s cybersecurity initiatives.
Launched in January 2026 under the “Uraan Pakistan” framework, the challenge aimed to enhance the security of Pakistan’s digital identity systems through responsible vulnerability identification and advanced security assessments. The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Digital Authority, and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT).
A total of 27 teams with 88 participants competed across regional rounds hosted at premier universities 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, and NED University of Engineering and Technology (NED University) Karachi. In total, 27 universities participated nationwide, including Sarhad University of Science & Technology Peshawar, University of Gujrat, and Military College of Signals Rawalpindi.
At the closing ceremony, top-performing teams were recognized: UET Lahore (Faisalabad Campus) won first place, while Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology secured second. Teams from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro and International Islamic University Islamabad received consolation prizes for their commendable performance.
Dr. Monis Akhlaq, Chief Information Security Officer of NADRA, highlighted that the challenge represents a new approach to nurturing cybersecurity talent, building both confidence and technical capability while fostering a shared sense of national responsibility among emerging professionals.
