The Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) at the National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad has successfully organized a series of panel discussions, seminars, and forums from September 2023 to October 2024. These sessions convened key stakeholders from the Tri-Services, government, industry, and academia to collaboratively develop strategic cybersecurity guidelines essential for national security.
Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), played a pivotal role throughout these discussions, serving as both a moderator and expert panelist. His insights and leadership were instrumental in shaping the strategic recommendations aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework.
The formulated strategies were categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives to effectively safeguard the nation’s digital frontiers.
In the short term, the discussions emphasized the urgent need to update the legal framework to combat emerging cybersecurity threats, including misinformation and digital impersonation, especially as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent. The proposed laws aim to strike a balance between freedom and privacy. Additionally, the establishment of a National Cyber Security Agency was recommended to centralize monitoring efforts. Crisis communication strategies were also highlighted as vital for restoring public trust after cyber incidents. Furthermore, mandatory cybersecurity education was suggested for government and civil employees.
Medium-term goals focused on the development of comprehensive threat-sharing platforms to enhance overall cybersecurity readiness. Strengthening international collaborations was also deemed essential to effectively address cross-border cyber incidents.
For long-term objectives, the emphasis was on creating nationwide cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure aimed at reducing dependence on external technologies. Achieving self-sufficiency in cybersecurity technologies will not only minimize vulnerabilities but also fortify Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
National CERT remains committed to securing Pakistan’s digital assets, focusing on proactive measures alongside incident response. The organization continues to refine its strategies, advance threat detection capabilities, and cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors, ensuring a resilient digital future for the nation.
