Mushtaq Ahmed

I am an experienced IT professional with over 17 years of expertise in managing IT infrastructure, support operations, and technical services. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to ensuring seamless IT environments by providing hands-on support and leading teams to deliver reliable and secure technology solutions. My background combines strong technical skills with proven leadership in network management, system administration, and end-user support.

In my role as IT Manager at Riphah International University, I oversee IT operations across the Lahore region, supporting more than 30,000 users including students, faculty, and administrative staff. I lead a dedicated team responsible for IT support, network monitoring, system administration, and helpdesk operations to ensure maximum availability and performance of IT services. I have managed projects involving LAN/WAN design and deployment, server room administration, network segmentation through VLANs, and VPN configurations for secure remote access.

One of my key strengths lies in firewall and network security management. I have extensive hands-on experience with firewalls such as Fortinet, Cisco, and Sophos, ensuring the organization’s infrastructure is protected against modern cyber threats. I configure, monitor, and optimize firewalls, VPNs (Site-to-Site, SSL, IPsec), and Web Application Firewalls to maintain secure connectivity and compliance. Additionally, I implement and maintain network monitoring solutions to proactively detect issues, minimize downtime, and strengthen system resilience.

My experience also covers helpdesk management, where I have streamlined IT support processes to improve response times and enhance user satisfaction. By deploying IT helpdesk systems and introducing clear workflows, I have ensured efficient ticket management and faster resolution of technical issues. I also focus on mentoring support staff, enabling them to handle routine troubleshooting independently while escalating complex problems effectively.

On the system side, I have managed Windows Servers, Active Directory, Office 365, and G Suite environments, ensuring smooth authentication, user provisioning, and collaboration services. I also oversee CCTV systems, access control, and endpoint security, providing both physical and digital protection for organizational assets.

Overall, I bring a strong balance of technical expertise and leadership in IT support, network security, firewall administration, helpdesk management, and system operations. My goal is to leverage this experience to continue driving IT efficiency, strengthening cybersecurity, and delivering reliable support that enables organizations to achieve their objectives without disruption.