The acquisition of technical human resources and capabilities for Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) is in progress and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly that while NCERT began soft operations in July 2023, its full functionality is still under development.
NCERT, designated under Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan, is a Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) project executed by the National Telecommunication & Information Security Board (NTISB) under the Cabinet Division.
The minister highlighted that NCERT operates under the CERT Rules 2023, which provide a legislative framework to mitigate cybersecurity threats at national, sectoral, and organizational levels. These rules outline technical support, operational capabilities, and capacity-building mechanisms to address cybersecurity risks. Approved by the Federal Cabinet and notified in the Gazette on September 26, 2023, these rules establish a proactive and integrated risk management process to enhance Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape.
Under the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) 2021, Pakistan aims to create a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. The three-tier cybersecurity approach includes National Level, Sectoral, and Organizational CERTs, ensuring a comprehensive strategy to protect digital infrastructure.
A CERT Council has been formed to advise and coordinate with these teams, facilitating collaborative efforts in tackling cyber threats. Definitions and roles of various CERTs, including Government CERT, Critical Infrastructure CERT, Sectoral CERT, Federal CERT, and Provincial CERT, are explicitly outlined in the rules.
Khawaja emphasized that cybersecurity measures focus on dealing with evolving threats in cyberspace. These measures include investment in technology, cyber intelligence sharing, capacity building, international cooperation, and compliance with global cybersecurity standards. The government is committed to enhancing its cyber defense mechanisms, ensuring digital security for businesses, individuals, and the nation.
The National Cyber Security Framework aligns with UN Norms 40 on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, emphasizing that while securing Pakistan’s digital space, efforts must also ensure that malicious cyber activities do not impact other nations. Through legislative support, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic interventions, the government aims to bolster Pakistan’s cybersecurity resilience and strengthen national security in the digital domain.