The acquisition of technical human resources and capabilities for Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) is underway, with full operational functionality expected by June 2025. Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that while NCERT began soft operations in July 2023, its full development is still in progress.
NCERT is a key initiative under the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan program and is part of a Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) executed by the National Telecommunication & Information Security Board (NTISB). The project is designed to enhance the country’s cybersecurity capabilities by addressing national, sectoral, and organizational cybersecurity risks.
The establishment of NCERT follows the CERT Rules 2023, which were approved by the Federal Cabinet and notified in the Gazette on September 26, 2023. These rules provide a legislative framework for cybersecurity mitigation and are designed to create a proactive, integrated approach to managing cybersecurity risks. They aim to enhance technical support, operational capabilities, and capacity-building mechanisms to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Pakistan’s National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) 2021 outlines a comprehensive, three-tiered cybersecurity strategy, which includes National, Sectoral, and Organizational CERTs. These CERTs collaborate through a CERT Council to combat cyber threats, ensuring robust defense across digital infrastructures. The government is also committed to international cooperation and compliance with global cybersecurity standards to enhance its cyber resilience.
The National Cyber Security Framework aligns with UN Norms 40 on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, focusing on securing Pakistan’s digital space while preventing the impact of malicious cyber activities on other nations. Through this initiative, the government aims to bolster national security and digital defense for both businesses and individuals.
