The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-profile seminar titled “Navigating the Cyber Frontier: Governance and Security in a Global Digital Commons” on February 24, 2025. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and cybersecurity specialists to assess the evolving dynamics of cyberspace as a global common and its implications for national and international security.
The seminar underscored the critical importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks, digital governance, and strategic policy measures to mitigate emerging cyber threats. Speakers at the event highlighted the necessity of data sovereignty, regulatory advancements, and multilateral cooperation to ensure a resilient digital landscape.
Addressing the seminar, Mr. Zarrar Khan, Secretary IT & Telecommunication, emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats and their potential impact on national security. He highlighted the importance of data sovereignty and the urgent need for strong digital governance frameworks to protect sensitive information from cyber intrusions and attacks.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, discussed cyberspace as a strategic domain and highlighted the challenges posed by cyber warfare. He called for greater international collaboration to develop cohesive cyber policies and counter digital security risks. Recognizing the growing complexity of cyber threats, he stressed that governance challenges must be tackled through comprehensive multilateral efforts.
Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood (Retd.), Director at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), elaborated on the significance of cyber sovereignty, outlining the emerging threats that require a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure. He underscored the need for advanced security protocols and proactive risk management strategies to protect critical assets from cyber incursions.
On the regulatory front, Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) at the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (nCERT), highlighted the importance of cybersecurity awareness, regulatory enforcement, and the integration of advanced technologies to bolster Pakistan’s cyber resilience. She called for increased investments in cybersecurity training and policy development to strengthen national defense against digital threats.
From a legal standpoint, Dr. Saadia Zahoor, a lawyer and policy expert, discussed the significance of cyber governance in international law. She urged the establishment of stronger legal frameworks and cooperative measures to tackle cross-border cyber threats effectively. She stressed that cybersecurity should be a shared responsibility, requiring synchronized efforts among governments, organizations, and industry stakeholders.
Mr. Javaid Iqbal, Member of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. He warned about AI-driven cyber threats and their potential to amplify cyber risks. He emphasized the urgency of formulating a National Cyber Security Strategy that includes AI-driven risk assessments, early threat detection mechanisms, and cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives.
Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, concluded the session by stressing the importance of proactive measures, collaboration, and skill development to address emerging cybersecurity challenges. He emphasized that securing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure requires a collective approach that brings together academia, policymakers, and industry experts.
Lastly, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, reinforced the vulnerabilities posed by evolving cyber threats and the urgent need for strategic cybersecurity governance. He called for developing a sustainable cyber policy framework to safeguard Pakistan’s digital assets and enhance national security.
The seminar served as a crucial platform for discussing the cybersecurity landscape in Pakistan and the broader global context. It reinforced the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and technology leaders to navigate the complex cyber frontier while ensuring digital governance and security in an increasingly interconnected world.
