Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan has launched its most sweeping cybersecurity reform through the World Bank–backed DEEP project, calling for a full review of national cyber readiness across government and industry. The upgrade includes revising the 2021 national policy, drafting a new Cybersecurity Act, enhancing workforce skills and aligning with global standards to strengthen national digital resilience.
Pakistan has created a secure, locally made mobile phone designed specifically to protect government communication from hacking and interception. Built without internet capability and operating in a closed secure loop, the device was developed after WhatsApp failures during wartime exposed critical vulnerabilities. It marks a major step toward national digital sovereignty and cybersecurity independence.
Pakistan is creating its first dedicated Cybersecurity Authority under the new National Cyber Security Act, aligning with NCSP-2021 and DEEP initiatives. With key systems already designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, the authority will centralize cyber defense, enhance response coordination, and strengthen national digital resilience through unified standards and governance.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has requested an extension for the VPN registration deadline beyond November 30, 2024, due to concerns about the complexity of the process. The Interior Ministry previously mandated registration of unregistered VPNs to curb misuse, including accessing illegal content and ensuring compliance with security regulations.