Islamabad, Pakistan. National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan has completed a major capacity building initiative aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness against hostile information threats in the digital space. The training session, titled Pakistan: Information Integrity and Defending Hostile Information Threats, was held at the organization’s headquarters and brought together nominated officials from 20 federal ministries and their attached departments, reinforcing an inter ministerial approach to information resilience.
The training session was designed as a focused learning engagement for public sector professionals who increasingly operate within complex digital environments shaped by misinformation, disinformation, and coordinated narrative manipulation. Delivered by Mr. Habibullah Khan, a recognized expert in strategic communication, the session emphasized the growing role of information spaces as arenas of influence and contestation. Mr. Khan is known for his work on state weaponized social media ecosystems and his advisory role in helping government leadership manage official narratives with clarity and credibility. During the session, he shared insights on how hostile actors exploit digital platforms to distort public perception, influence policy discourse, and undermine institutional trust, while highlighting the importance of narrative coherence and proactive communication strategies within government structures.
Participants engaged in in depth discussions on the evolving nature of information threats, including how digital narratives are shaped, amplified, and weaponized across platforms. The training placed strong emphasis on understanding the mechanics of hostile information campaigns, including the use of coordinated messaging, manipulated content, and emotionally charged narratives designed to polarize audiences. Through scenario based engagement, officials examined real world inspired situations to identify vulnerabilities, assess response options, and explore practical methods for safeguarding information integrity. The interactive format encouraged participants to apply analytical thinking while considering the operational realities faced by government institutions in managing public communication under pressure. By focusing on both strategic and practical dimensions, the session aimed to build confidence among participants to respond effectively to emerging challenges in the information domain.
Senior representatives from National CERT acknowledged the significance of the training in advancing national capacity. Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building, and Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings, expressed appreciation for the expertise shared by the trainer and noted the high level of engagement demonstrated by participants throughout the session. They highlighted that strengthening awareness and skills related to information integrity is essential for ensuring institutional resilience in an increasingly interconnected digital environment. National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to continuous learning initiatives and collaborative efforts with public sector stakeholders, underscoring the importance of sustained capacity development as information threats continue to evolve alongside technological advancement.
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