Islamabad – January 29, 2025: Virtual University of Pakistan has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to enhance research and innovation in digital identity management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad during a high-profile ceremony attended by leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the country. The collaboration aims to foster academic research, technological advancements, and industry-academia linkages to address critical national challenges.

The event was attended by the Chairman NADRA and Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), along with senior officials from partner universities. Representing Virtual University at the ceremony were Prof. Dr. Mohsin Javed, Dean Faculty of Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. Athar Azeem Khan, Registrar, who played a pivotal role in solidifying this partnership. Their presence underscored Virtual University’s commitment to research-driven education and its role in contributing to the country’s digital transformation efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman NADRA emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and security. He highlighted the critical research areas where NADRA seeks expertise from universities, including AI-based data analytics, biometric authentication systems such as facial recognition and fingerprint verification, cybersecurity frameworks, automated document classification, and data compression technologies to enhance system efficiency in remote NADRA centers. He encouraged university researchers to actively participate in developing innovative solutions for identity management and digital security.

As part of this partnership, Virtual University students and faculty will benefit from various research opportunities, training programs, and sponsored projects. NADRA has announced the launch of a graduate training program and an internship initiative to provide students with hands-on experience in advanced technological environments. Additionally, a national-level hackathon is planned for July, where students and faculty members will have the opportunity to develop practical solutions for cybersecurity and identity management challenges. Research sponsorships will also be provided for outstanding academic work in these fields.

Prof. Dr. Mohsin Javed and Prof. Dr. Athar Azeem Khan reiterated Virtual University’s dedication to leveraging its expertise in IT and data sciences for national development. They emphasized that the university’s strong foundation in distance learning and digital education positions it as a key contributor to research and innovation in Pakistan. They expressed their confidence that this collaboration with NADRA would create impactful opportunities for students, researchers, and industry professionals alike.