The federal government has approved plans to develop a secure communication ecosystem for official use as part of its broader efforts to improve the security of government communications and digital infrastructure. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Central Development Working Party, where several technology related development projects were reviewed, including initiatives aimed at strengthening secure communications and expanding the country’s digital capabilities. The proposed project is intended to reduce the risk of sensitive information exposure by providing a dedicated communication platform for government institutions.
The proposed initiative, named PAKAWAZ Secure Mobile Communication Ecosystem, is designed to serve around 10,000 government users through a dedicated communication network operating independently of the public internet. The platform is expected to support secure voice and video calls, messaging, file sharing, centrally managed contact directories and other collaboration features while incorporating advanced security controls and device management capabilities. During the review process, the National Telecommunication Corporation was directed to conduct further consultations with stakeholders and refine the project’s security framework to ensure maximum confidentiality, integrity and national data sovereignty before implementation.
Alongside the secure communications initiative, the Central Development Working Party also approved the launch of PakSat 2, which is expected to replace PakSat 1R as it approaches the end of its operational life. The satellite project is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance space based communications, improve connectivity and support national digital infrastructure. Several additional information technology and digital development projects were also cleared during the meeting, reflecting continued investment in technology driven public sector initiatives.
The proposed secure communication ecosystem highlights the growing emphasis on cybersecurity and trusted digital infrastructure within government operations. As public institutions increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication and service delivery, the need for secure and sovereign communication systems has become more significant. Once finalized, the project is expected to provide a dedicated platform for official communications while supporting broader efforts to improve digital resilience, protect sensitive information and strengthen the country’s technology infrastructure.
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