The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has announced the formation of the National Computer Emergency Team (CERT) Council.
The CERT Council has been established under Rule 4 of the National Computer Emergency Rules 2023, according to an official notification issued by the ministry.
The CERT Council is designed to serve as a consultative and advisory body for all levels of CERTs across the nation. Its primary functions include ensuring the effective performance of CERT roles, conducting assessments, and resolving conflicts as per the guidelines outlined in the CERT Rules 2023.
The formation of this council is a crucial step in enhancing the coordination and effectiveness of Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The council will consist of 15 members, making it the largest forum of its kind in the country. Currently, the Ministry has notified 10 members of the council, with the remaining members to be appointed in due course as per the established rules. This staggered approach to the council’s formation allows for a structured integration of key cybersecurity stakeholders.
Among the notified members are significant figures such as the Federal Secretary for IT and Telecom, who will chair the council, and the Director General of the National CERT, who will serve as the council’s secretary.
Other notable members include representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Division, and the Ministry of Interior, highlighting the cross-sectoral approach to cybersecurity governance.
Additionally, three members have been appointed from industry, academia, and civil society for a one-year term. These members include Mehzad Sahar, a Chief Information Security Officer representing the industry; Dr. Muhammad Fareed Zafar, an associate professor representing academia; and Babar Suhail, representing civil society.
Their inclusion reflects the government’s commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives into the nation’s cybersecurity strategy.
According to MoIT&T, the establishment of the CERT Council is a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to fortify its cybersecurity framework. It is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to respond to cyber threats and support the development of a resilient digital infrastructure. This move follows the earlier formalization of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT), further consolidating Pakistan’s cybersecurity initiatives under a cohesive and unified framework.
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