The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has approved a modern and updated curriculum for cybersecurity education to strengthen digital skills in Pakistan, according to details on Friday.
According to the details, the new cybersecurity curriculum will be implemented in universities nationwide from 2026.
HEC approves new cybersecurity curriculum
The curriculum covers important areas such as network security, digital forensics, and cryptography.
These fields are especially important for protecting against cyber threats and to help improve national data security.
The HEC also added that the updated curriculum will be introduced in BS, MS, and associate degree programs.
Universities have also been instructed to include practical learning through internships and hands on training.
The National Curriculum Committee developed the curriculum under the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023.
Universities will have the option to add more specialisations depending on their resources.
HEC orders online classes and flexible work for Universities
Earlier, the Higher Education Commission, following instructions from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, directed all universities and degree awarding institutions (DAI’s) to take several immediate measures.
The HEC announced on the social media platform X that all academic activities and classes must move to 100 per cent online.
Universities will follow a four day work week from Monday to Thursday. Up to 50 per cent of staff and faculty will work from home on alternate days.
All meetings of statutory bodies should be held online wherever possible. Each institution will decide the exact arrangements for work from home.
The HEC said the higher education sector must act responsibly and support government efforts to save national resources.
