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In a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has successfully completed cybersecurity audits of 15 federal ministries, divisions, and attached departments as part of the “Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan (Phase-I)” initiative.
This development is a core milestone of the national cybersecurity roadmap, which aims to shield critical government assets from increasing cyber threats and improve the country’s digital resilience amid growing global challenges.
Rs. 1.07 Billion Utilized; Technical Infrastructure Being Expanded
According to official documents, Rs. 1,076.17 million—about 60% of the total allocation of Rs. 1.798 billion—has been utilized so far. This expenditure has helped the ministry lay the groundwork for security frameworks, threat detection systems, and capacity building across major government entities.
For FY2025-26, the federal government has approved an additional Rs. 250 million, which will go toward:
- Establishing the National Security Operation Center (NSOC)
- Setting up forensics laboratories
- Launching cyber screening labs
- Scaling up infrastructure for real-time cyber threat monitoring and response
Over 800 Cyberattacks Addressed So Far
The IT Ministry revealed that more than 800 cyber incidents have been handled so far under the project. These incidents ranged from malware infections, phishing attempts, DDoS attacks, to internal vulnerabilities within government systems.
A key component of this response has been the creation of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT), which serves as the central hub for threat monitoring, detection, and coordinated cyber response.
Cybersecurity Policies and Guidelines Rolled Out
The Ministry has also made significant progress on the policy and regulation front. So far:
- 60 cybersecurity advisories have been issued to federal ministries, departments, the public, and private sector organizations.
- 15 cybersecurity policy guidelines have been implemented to streamline best practices across different sectors.
- 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with:
- Universities
- Think tanks
- Cybersecurity firms
These MoUs aim to foster collaboration, research, and practical solutions tailored for the evolving cyber landscape of Pakistan.
National-Level Cybersecurity Training and Capacity Building
Recognizing the skills gap in the cybersecurity sector, the project has emphasized the training of government staff and technical personnel.
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Achievements in training and awareness include:
- 56 general training sessions conducted for federal and provincial institutions
- 12 specialized training programs to enhance high-level technical expertise
- Over 15 national events including:
- Cybersecurity bootcamps
- Hackathons
- Awareness workshops
Public Awareness Campaigns Launched Nationwide
The Ministry is also taking cybersecurity awareness to the masses. Through multiple outreach initiatives, the goal is to create a culture of digital hygiene and secure practices, especially among young users.
Some of the notable programs launched include:
- ABC Program – Cyber hygiene basics for general users
- CyberSecureGov – Security awareness for government officials
- CyberSafety for Everyone – Public digital literacy campaign
- Junior Cyber Superheroes – School-level awareness for children
These initiatives aim to reduce vulnerability at the grassroots level, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to national cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity as a Pillar of Digital Pakistan Vision
The “Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan” initiative is one of the flagship projects under Pakistan’s broader Digital Pakistan vision. With growing threats of espionage, financial fraud, and digital warfare, the government aims to build a proactive cybersecurity ecosystem that is aligned with global best practices.
The Ministry is also working on international intelligence cooperation, particularly for cross-border threat sharing, technical collaboration, and early warning systems.
What’s Next? Phase-II Expected to Expand Audit Reach
While Phase-I focused on the federal level, the government is planning to launch Phase-II of the cybersecurity initiative, which will include:
- Audit expansion to more federal and provincial agencies
- Integration with law enforcement and intelligence units
- Development of national cybersecurity frameworks and benchmarks
With digital threats evolving rapidly, this project marks a crucial turning point in Pakistan’s cyber resilience strategy.
