The National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has successfully conducted another session of its ongoing CyberSecureGov: Cyber Guidelines Initiative, extending its engagement to designated Provincial CERTs. This initiative aims to bolster Pakistan’s cybersecurity resilience at both federal and provincial levels by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders.
The session brought together 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. With active in-person participation from KPITB and virtual attendance from PITB and Sindh’s IT department, the discussions centered on strategic risk management, institutional preparedness, and cybersecurity implementation frameworks.
Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), along with Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building, led the session, providing expert insights on proactive cybersecurity measures, inter-institutional coordination, and national cybersecurity guidelines. The discussions underscored the importance of Provincial CERTs and their integration within the national cybersecurity framework, as defined in the CERT Rules 2023.
Participants emphasized the growing need for cross-institutional collaboration to counter evolving cyber threats targeting national and provincial digital infrastructures. The session also highlighted the critical role of Provincial CERTs in enhancing cyber resilience, ensuring they are equipped with the right tools, strategies, and frameworks to mitigate risks effectively.
As CyberSecureGov continues to gain traction, the National CERT is committed to expanding its outreach and strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape. Future sessions will focus on deeper intergovernmental coordination and the implementation of proactive, structured cybersecurity strategies to safeguard Pakistan’s digital ecosystem against emerging threats.
