Established in 2015, the Pakistan Internet Governance Institute (pkSIG) is the first “national” Internet Governance Institute in the Asia-Pacific region (and perhaps the world), and it is here to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Before pkSIG, the landscape was shaped by regional schools such as the Asia Pacific School of Internet Governance (APSIG). pkSIG set a precedent that inspired other countries to set up their own national schools; for example, India’s inSIG was launched a year later in 2016.
The seeds of pkSIG were planted in Pakistan at the onset of 3G, which led to the “dotcom boom.” During this transition, some visionaries saw the need to strengthen Pakistani participation in multi-stakeholder international governance structures.
It has decided to organize Pakistan School of Internet Governance (pkSIG) to promote awareness on various Internet governance standards (which anyone can participate in anywhere in the world) and to train the next generation of Internet leaders so that Pakistan can participate in the governance of the Internet world. Renowned teacher Dr. Arshad Ali chaired the 4-day pkSIG organized by the Higher Education Council.
What They Do?
Internet Governance is a 3-4 day event where national and international experts will present lectures/conferences and discussions on various aspects of Internet governance including Internet governance ecosystem, I* institutions, cybersecurity, Internet policy, Internet trust and security, Internet standards/procedures, security, privacy and information, digital transformation, digital diversity including access to the Internet by people with disabilities), user rights etc. Network related governance.
In Pakistan, pkSIG courses are offered free of charge to up to fifty (50) participants of different nationalities and interested in Internet governance. Participants are mostly university students and young professionals from civil society, academia, government, technology and the private sector; all are interested in creating Pakistan’s online future. 10 to 12 good students from the local community (only from outside the city where pkSIG is hosted) will receive scholarships covering accommodation and transportation expenses.
At the end of each pkSIG, participants are also offered educational opportunities after pkSIG (e.g. scholarships and grants from various international organizations). Finally, pkSIG participants are given a certificate of participation, but this is only valid for those who attend each session.
Brief History of pkSIG
After the first pkSIG in 2015, a group of volunteers (called the “Steering Committee”) took over the task of planning subsequent pkSIGs, starting with the Virtual University of Lahore in 2016.
To date, pkSIG has been organized as follows nationwide:
2015 — Higher Education Commission, Islamabad
2016 — Virtual University, Lahore
2017 — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board, Peshawar
2018 — Regency Plaza, Karachi
2019 — National Incubation Centre, Quetta
2020 – Online – Due to Outbreak
2021 – Online – Due to Transmission
2022 — Pearl Continental Hotel Muzaffarabad
2023 – Ramada Gilgit
2024 — Ramada Multan Hotel
The last (10th) pkSIG in 2024 was held in Multan and received an overwhelming response with over 250 applications received, out of which 50 were selected, including 11 friends from the community. Four of the partners are women, one is visually impaired and their involvement in the school is an inspiration to everyone.
Another highlight of the event was an exhibition where founders of leading digital startups in Multan (Scentyou.pk, epiccraftings.com and Giftmixservices.com) shared their motivations.
Ithas organized six sessions so far and the school has trained close to 350 students. On average, 26% of participants are women, which may seem low, but this is based on the fact that Pakistan has one of the worst gender inequalities in the world. Interestingly, female participation was highest in rural cities; Quetta (38%) in 2019 and Gilgit (33%) in 2023.
When we look at the impact of pkSIG over the past decade, it is clear that the school has not only provided important knowledge and skills to a small group of young people, but has also supported a generation of people who are now internet leaders. active. Contributing to regional and international public policy discussions on the future of the internet.
The unknown force behind
Thanks also to the organizations that have helped organize PkSIG from time to time. These include PTA, MoIT, ICANN, ISOC Foundation, ISOC Islamabad Chapter, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), APASA, Virtual University, KPIT Committee, AJK IT Committee, Balochistan IT University, NIC Quetta, Cybernet, Jazz, e-commerce gateway, MultiNet, NRS, Inspire Mill, PCL, Tik Tok, Meta, Google and SCO, Multan ISP, InstaCom and PrimeNetworks in their operations.
It is usually requires sponsors to pay various fees directly instead of cash, and requests to receive payment forms are strictly prohibited.
It would be unfair not to mention the names of the board members who all have other full-time jobs, as they spend time and effort during their working hours or on their holidays. They are: Waqas Hassan, Ahmed Bakhat, Mohammad Adil Ali, Umaira Rana, Ameena Sohail and Dr. Mohammad Shabir. Two individuals who deserve special mention are: Dr. Mukaram Khan and Fouad Bajwa.
Pakistan Institute of Cyber Governance aims to continue providing quality education to young Pakistanis and equip them with the understanding and mindset required to adapt and adapt to cyber global governance. Notably, the commitment, energy and excitement towards the growth of pkSIG in the next decade continues.
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