Islamabad, Feb 13: The development of Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) is progressing steadily, with its full operational capabilities expected to be in place by June 2025. The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that although NCERT began its soft operations in July 2023, it is still in the process of being fully equipped and functional.
NCERT is a key initiative under the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan program, and it is being developed as part of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The project is being executed by the National Telecommunication & Information Security Board (NTISB), which operates under the Cabinet Division. The initiative aims to enhance the country’s cybersecurity framework and better manage potential cyber threats at multiple levels, including national, sectoral, and organizational.
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The Minister highlighted the importance of the CERT Rules 2023, which provide a legal and operational framework for tackling cybersecurity risks. These rules, which were approved by the Federal Cabinet and notified in the official Gazette on September 26, 2023, offer technical support, operational capabilities, and capacity-building strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s defense against cyber threats. These efforts align with Pakistan’s National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) 2021, which aims to create a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for the country.
A comprehensive, three-tier approach to cybersecurity has been introduced, encompassing National, Sectoral, and Organizational Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). The establishment of a CERT Council facilitates coordination between these teams, allowing them to collaboratively address emerging cyber risks. The roles of various CERTs, including Government CERT, Critical Infrastructure CERT, and Provincial CERTs, are explicitly defined within the CERT Rules to ensure clarity in their operations.
Minister Khawaja stressed that Pakistan’s cybersecurity strategy focuses on evolving threats in cyberspace. Efforts include investment in cutting-edge technology, enhanced cyber intelligence sharing, international cooperation, and adherence to global cybersecurity standards. The government is committed to reinforcing Pakistan’s cyber defense capabilities, safeguarding digital infrastructure, and ensuring the security of businesses and individuals online.
The National Cyber Security Framework is also aligned with international norms, particularly the UN Norms 40 on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, which highlights the need for protecting national interests while preventing malicious cyber activities from impacting other countries. Through strategic legislative measures and capacity-building initiatives, the government aims to build a resilient cybersecurity posture, strengthening national security in the digital realm.
