Islamabad, Pakistan – The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has taken another step in strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity resilience by engaging Provincial CERTs in a dedicated session of its “CyberSecureGov: Cyber Guidelines Initiative.” The session focused on equipping provincial cybersecurity teams with strategic insights and frameworks to bolster digital defense mechanisms at the regional level.
This latest session brought together key representatives from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and the Department of Science & Technology and Information Technology, Government of Sindh. While KPITB representatives attended in person, officials from PITB and the Sindh IT department joined virtually, ensuring comprehensive participation across provincial cybersecurity stakeholders.
Led by Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building, the session covered critical cybersecurity themes, including risk management strategies, institutional preparedness, and the implementation of national cybersecurity frameworks. The discussions reinforced the importance of proactive defense mechanisms, cross-institutional collaboration, and adherence to national cybersecurity guidelines.
A key highlight of the session was the emphasis on the role of Provincial CERTs and their integration within the broader National CERT framework, as defined by the CERT Rules, 2023. The discussions underscored the necessity for seamless coordination between federal and provincial cybersecurity entities to ensure a unified and fortified national cyber defense strategy. By establishing clear linkages and responsibilities within the CERT hierarchy, the initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of provincial cybersecurity teams against evolving digital threats.
The CyberSecureGov initiative is playing an instrumental role in equipping provincial institutions with the tools, expertise, and frameworks needed to mitigate cybersecurity risks effectively. As digital threats continue to grow in complexity, the need for a well-coordinated and robust cybersecurity infrastructure across all administrative levels has become more pressing than ever.
Looking ahead, the National CERT is committed to further expanding the CyberSecureGov initiative, conducting more sessions to strengthen intergovernmental coordination and improve cybersecurity preparedness at both the federal and provincial levels. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, these efforts will contribute to a resilient and proactive cybersecurity landscape across Pakistan, safeguarding critical digital infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
