ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) hosted the closing ceremony of its first Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 at its headquarters in Islamabad bringing together students and cybersecurity experts from universities nationwide.

The competition launched in January 2026 aimed to identify vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s digital identity system and enhance its cybersecurity. Organized under the Uraan Pakistan program the event was conducted in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission Pakistan Digital Authority and the Pakistan Cyber Emergency Response Team.

Regional rounds involved 27 teams and 88 participants from universities including Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology National University of Sciences and Technology University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, and NED University of Engineering and Technology.

In the final ceremony University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (Faisalabad Campus) secured first place, while Pak Austria Fachschule Institute earned second. Teams from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and International Islamic University Islamabad received special recognition awards.

NADRA’s Chief Information Security Officer Dr. Moons Ikhlaq highlighted that the challenge promotes students cybersecurity skills and enables them to contribute to securing Pakistan’s digital future.