In a landmark move for Pakistan’s digital security infrastructure, Tech20Four (Pvt Ltd) has officially partnered with the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) as its Technology Innovation Partner under the ambitious Cyber Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) initiative. This strategic alliance was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a special ceremony held at the National CERT headquarters in Islamabad.
A Strategic Collaboration for National Cyber Resilience
The primary goal of this collaboration is to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities through cutting-edge innovation, collaborative research, and human capital development. As a recognized technology partner under the CIE, Tech20Four will contribute to developing indigenous cybersecurity solutions, facilitating knowledge exchange, and creating a resilient digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
By pooling resources and expertise, both organizations aim to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and advance Pakistan’s readiness to respond to modern cyber challenges.
Building the Cyber Innovation Ecosystem
The Cyber Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) is an initiative driven by a powerful vision: to bring together the best minds and institutions across government, private sector, academia, and tech startups to collaboratively address national cyber challenges. CIE encourages innovation by creating platforms for information sharing, indigenous R&D, and talent development that can lead to long-term strategic cyber defense capabilities.
Tech20Four’s inclusion in this ecosystem marks a significant step forward. The company’s role will include:
- Designing and implementing advanced cybersecurity technologies
- Participating in joint research and development projects
- Providing support in building cyber training and awareness programs
- Contributing to capacity-building efforts through seminars, workshops, and bootcamps
Leaders Speak: Commitment to a Secure Digital Pakistan
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) at National CERT, highlighted the importance of private-sector partnerships. Collaborations like these form the backbone of a secure and future-ready national cyber framework. As threats evolve, our approach must too—and these partnerships ensure we remain agile, innovative, and prepared,she stated.
Mr. Aamir Nawaz Tanoli, Chief Executive Officer of Tech20Four, echoed these sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration. We are proud to contribute to this important mission. By working alongside National CERT, we hope to build not just technology—but trust, resilience, and capability across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, he said.
Key Officials in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by prominent officials and leaders who play a vital role in the development and enforcement of Pakistan’s cyber policies. Among them were:
- Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building, National CERT
- Mr. Sadiq Khan, Deputy Director Labs, National CERT
- Representatives from Cywift, a key player in digital security innovation
- Executive leadership and technical experts from Tech20Four
Their collective presence emphasized the significance of this agreement and the unified commitment to enhancing the national cybersecurity landscape.
With cyberattacks growing in frequency and sophistication globally, Pakistan’s cyber preparedness is now more crucial than ever. Initiatives like the CIE and collaborations like this one serve as a proactive step toward digital sovereignty.
Through this partnership, Tech20Four and National CERT are poised to shape a safer, smarter digital future for the country—transforming how Pakistan tackles cyber threats, protects digital assets, and empowers the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
This partnership isn’t just about sharing responsibilities—it’s about sharing a vision for a secure, digitally empowered Pakistan.
