Tackling Cybercrimes: A Key to Modern Trade Pakistan International Exchange and Leadership Program (IELP)

As digital technologies become increasingly embedded in global commerce and daily life, the threat of cybercrime presents a growing challenge to both economic stability and individual security. In Pakistan, where digital banking, online platforms, and social media use are rapidly expanding, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. Recognizing this, the Tackling Cybercrimes - A Key to Modern Trade International Exchange and Leadership Program (IELP) brought together eight Pakistani law enforcement officers, online banking professionals, and digital rights activists for an 18-day exchange funded by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. Through expert meetings and site visits across multiple U.S. cities, participants explored innovative approaches to cybersecurity, consumer protection, and digital policy development. This program fostered vital international collaboration, equipping delegates with the tools and insights necessary to combat cyber threats and promote secure digital growth in Pakistan.

Project Objectives

• Examine U.S. government strategies to prevent and respond to cybercrime, including the formulation and enforcement of cybersecurity policy at the federal, state, and local levels; 
• Explore the roles of law enforcement, government agencies, and private sector partners in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime, including threats to financial institutions and critical infrastructure; 
• Analyze the balance between protecting civil liberties—such as freedom of expression—and safeguarding cyberspace from misuse and exploitation; 
• Investigate collaborative models for cybersecurity policy development, threat assessment, and information sharing between public and private sectors; 
• Review efforts to build a resilient digital infrastructure, including initiatives to bolster cybersecurity workforce readiness and public awareness campaigns; and 
• Promote international cooperation in addressing global cyber threats and fostering digital inclusivity and consumer protection in emerging digital economies. 

Project Design

Over the course of their 18-day program, participants traveled to four U.S. cities, where meetings focused on distinct aspects of cybersecurity policy, enforcement, and education. From federal agencies in Washington, DC, to local innovation hubs and academic institutions in Milwaukee, Austin, and San Francisco, the group explored how different regions in the United States confront cyber threats and promote digital resilience.

Washington, DC: In the U.S. capital, delegates were introduced to the foundational principles of American governance and the federal response to cybercrime. They heard a keynote from a leading cyber policy specialist, setting the stage for deeper exploration of cybersecurity frameworks. Meeting with the Department of Justice provided insight into the federal approach to investigating and prosecuting cybercrime, including the work of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). At the Department of State, officials from multiple bureaus—including Cyberspace and Digital Policy, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and South and Central Asian Affairs—discussed international cooperation, policy coordination, and regional challenges in the digital sphere. The group also met with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, including the Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, to learn about efforts to combat cyber threats and protect digital infrastructure. A visit to the Department of Defense’s Cyber Crime Center (DC3) concluded the DC portion, highlighting the intelligence and forensic tools used to support national cybersecurity operations.

Milwaukee, WI: In their second city-stop, delegates explored how academic institutions, private sector experts, and state-level agencies in Wisconsin address cybersecurity challenges. At Marquette University, participants learned about workforce development initiatives in cyber defense, including a federally funded program aimed at preparing future cybersecurity professionals. A meeting with Hold Security introduced the group to real-world strategies in cyber threat intelligence and risk management, including how dark web monitoring informs proactive defense. At the Milwaukee School of Engineering, discussions with faculty highlighted local industry partnerships and cutting-edge research in software and infrastructure security. The group also traveled to Madison for sessions with the Wisconsin Emergency Management team and the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Cyber Crimes Unit, gaining insight into statewide coordination and investigative tactics.

Austin, TX: In Austin, participants gained exposure to a wide range of cybersecurity issues through meetings with state lawmakers, academic institutions, and private sector leaders. At the Global Cyber Research Institute at Texas A&M University, the group explored cutting-edge research in cyber defense, infrastructure resilience, and workforce development. A meeting with Texas State Representative Suleman Lalani offered a legislative perspective on cybersecurity, including his recent bill to promote information sharing between public and private sectors. Participants also visited the Electric Grid Cybersecurity Alliance to discuss large-scale infrastructure vulnerabilities and efforts to protect utility systems from cyber threats. On their final day, the delegation learned about Austin Community College’s Bachelor’s program in cybersecurity and engaged with the University of Texas at Austin’s Strauss Center, where they explored applied cybersecurity training and policy research.

San Francisco, CA: In the final leg of their U.S. exchange, the Pakistani delegation engaged with leading cybersecurity experts and institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area. At Crystal Intelligence, a blockchain intelligence firm, participants explored strategies for combating cryptocrimes, gaining insights into real-time blockchain analysis and investigative tools. A joint session with the FBI San Francisco office and the Bay Area InfraGard chapter emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in protecting critical infrastructure, allowing delegates to compare approaches to cybersecurity risk management between the U.S. and Pakistan. Discussions at the Institute for Security and Technology delved into collaborative efforts to address ransomware and other cyber threats, highlighting the role of cross-sector coordination.

Impact and Next Steps

Visitor Impressions: 

“The exchange experience aligned perfectly with my goals by providing hands-on exposure to advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques. Networking with experts and peers broadened my understanding of global cybersecurity practices, while real-world case studies helped me apply my knowledge in practical scenarios. Participating in workshops enhanced my technical skills and boosted my credibility in the field. This experience equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I can apply to improve cybersecurity efforts back home.”

“The program greatly enhanced my ability to understand global cybersecurity challenges through collaboration and innovation. By actively engaging with cross-sector professionals, academia, and government perspectives, it provided holistic, inclusive solutions to protect diverse digital ecosystem.”

Equipped with new knowledge and a strengthened professional network, participants plan to take the following steps to sustain collaboration and apply lessons learned from the program:

• Engage with the Electric Grid Cybersecurity Alliance and Crystal Intelligence to deepen understanding of critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and integrate advanced threat mitigation strategies into legal frameworks for cyber resilience;
• Collaborate with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section to enhance prosecutorial approaches to cybercrime, intellectual property violations, and cross-border enforcement cases;
• Continue dialogue with the FBI San Francisco office and Bay Area InfraGard to strengthen skills in digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and threat intelligence sharing;
• Pursue academic collaboration with Marquette University’s Cyber Security & Cyber Defense program to support joint research on cyber law, data protection, and the intersection of technology and legal policy; 
• Explore partnership opportunities with the Institute for Security and Technology to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Pakistan; and 
• Stay in touch with organizations such as Hold Security and the Global Cyber Research Institute at Texas A&M University for ongoing information sharing and access to training resources.