The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched its first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026, a nationwide cybersecurity initiative aimed at strengthening the security of Pakistan’s digital identity ecosystem.
The program is being organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) to promote responsible vulnerability reporting and advanced security testing.
Team-Based Cybersecurity Competition for Students and Professionals
The Bug Bounty Challenge is a team-based competition designed to support ethical hacking, cybersecurity assessment, and responsible vulnerability identification. It seeks to nurture emerging cybersecurity talent, promote ethical security practices, and enhance public confidence in national digital identity platforms.
Participants include selected universities and partner institutions of NADRA, with active involvement of students, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity professionals from across Pakistan.
Regional Rounds to Begin from January 27, 2026
Regional rounds of the competition will begin on January 27, 2026, at major universities across the country, including GIKI Swabi, NUST Islamabad, UET Lahore, NED University Karachi, and BUITEMS Quetta. These rounds will identify top-performing teams that will advance to the national-level finale.
Final Ceremony to Be Held at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad
The concluding ceremony and final competition round will be hosted at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad, with the official date to be announced later. Winners are expected to receive recognition for their contributions to strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks.
Officials said the initiative reflects NADRA’s commitment to proactive cyber defense, talent development, and continuous improvement of digital public services, especially as reliance on digital identity systems continues to grow across government and private sectors.
