NADRA’s first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 crowns UET Lahore (Faisalabad Campus) as winner, highlighting Pakistan’s growing cyber talent and focus on secure digital identity.
NADRA’s First Bug Bounty Challenge Reaches the Finish Line
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has successfully concluded its first-ever Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 with a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Islamabad. The event marked the end of a months-long nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity of Pakistan’s digital identity systems.
Launched in January 2026, the challenge invited young cybersecurity talent from across the country to identify vulnerabilities in a responsible and controlled environment. By turning ethical hackers into partners, NADRA sought to test its defences, learn from fresh perspectives and raise the overall standard of digital security.
The Bug Bounty Challenge was organised under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Digital Authority and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan (PKCERT). Together, these institutions helped bring universities, regulators and security experts onto a single platform.
Nationwide Cybersecurity Hunt Under ‘Uraan Pakistan’
The format of the competition was designed to mirror real-world cybersecurity workflows. A total of 27 teams comprising 88 participants took part in regional rounds hosted at leading universities across Pakistan.
Key regional hosts included Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) in Swabi, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Lahore and NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi.
In all, 27 partner universities joined the nationwide activity, among them Sarhad University of Science and Technology Peshawar, University of Gujrat and Military College of Signals Rawalpindi. This wide geographic spread helped ensure that students from multiple regions could participate, not just those based in the largest cities.
Universities, Teams and the Final Ceremony in Islamabad
As the competition moved from regional rounds to the final stage, top-performing teams were invited to the concluding event at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad. Senior officials, representatives of partner institutions and participants gathered to review the journey of the challenge and recognise standout efforts.
The final ceremony highlighted how collaboration between public-sector bodies and universities can create a strong pipeline of cybersecurity professionals. Students gained hands-on experience in advanced security assessment, while NADRA and partner agencies benefited from fresh insights into potential weak points in digital systems.
The event also gave participating teams a platform to network with senior technology leaders, opening up opportunities for internships, research projects and future roles in Pakistan’s growing cyber ecosystem.
UET Lahore Faisalabad Campus Takes Top Honours
UET Lahore (Faisalabad Campus) emerged as the overall winner of the Bug Bounty Challenge 2026, securing first position for its strong technical performance and methodical approach to vulnerability discovery.
The team from Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology clinched second prize, reflecting the high standard of competition among participating universities. Teams from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro and International Islamic University Islamabad received consolation prizes in recognition of their commendable work.
By honouring multiple teams, NADRA and its partners reinforced the message that cybersecurity is a team effort, where different institutions and regions can contribute valuable skills and ideas.
Building a Cyber-Secure Future with Young Talent
Speaking at the ceremony, NADRA’s Chief Information Security Officer, Dr. Monis Akhlaq, described the Bug Bounty Challenge 2026 as the beginning of a new approach to engaging cybersecurity talent in Pakistan.
He noted that beyond the trophies and certificates, the most important result was the confidence and capability built among emerging professionals. The challenge encouraged students to see themselves as guardians of Pakistan’s digital identity infrastructure, not just as competitors in a one-off contest.
By framing vulnerability research as a shared national responsibility, NADRA and its partners hope to foster a culture where ethical hacking, responsible disclosure and secure coding become core parts of how Pakistan builds and protects its digital systems. For UET Lahore Faisalabad Campus and other participating universities, the 2026 challenge is likely to be the starting point for deeper involvement in national cybersecurity initiatives.
