The Government of Pakistan has formally approved a one-year extension for Dr. Mehreen Afzal in her role as Director (GRC) under the “Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan” project. This decision, ratified by Prime Minister’s office and notified by the Establishment Division on June 5, 2025, enables Dr. Afzal to continue her critical work supporting Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework from July 1, 2025, onward. Serving at the PPS-11 pay scale, Dr. Afzal’s continued leadership comes at a crucial time as Pakistan intensifies efforts to secure its expanding digital infrastructure.
Dr. Afzal’s appointment is under the jurisdiction of the National Telecom and Information Security Board (NTISB), which functions within the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan initiative, where she plays a key role, focuses on fortifying the country’s digital defenses, ensuring resilience against emerging cyber threats, and supporting a safe and robust digital ecosystem. This project is part of a broader government strategy aimed at safeguarding national digital assets and fostering trust in Pakistan’s growing IT and telecom sectors.
The notification, issued by Muhammad Ali Idrees, Section Officer (E-VI), has been circulated among high-level government officials, including secretaries of the President’s office, Prime Minister’s office, Establishment Division, Ministry of IT, Cabinet Secretary, and Principal Information Officer. This wide dissemination highlights the importance placed on continuity and stability in managing Pakistan’s cybersecurity initiatives.
Dr. Afzal’s extension aligns with the government’s commitment to bolstering cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance as Pakistan accelerates its digital transformation journey. Her leadership within the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework is vital for developing policies, standards, and practices that mitigate cyber risks and enhance information security management across public and private sectors.
As Pakistan continues to digitize government services and expand internet penetration, the need for stringent cybersecurity protocols has grown exponentially. This extension ensures that experienced leadership remains in place to navigate evolving cyber challenges, drive capacity building, and implement cutting-edge security measures. It also reflects recognition of the critical role cybersecurity plays in national development and economic growth.
The Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan project, under the oversight of NTISB, represents a strategic effort to position Pakistan as a secure digital nation, ready to meet the demands of modern technology while protecting citizens and businesses from cyber vulnerabilities. Dr. Mehreen Afzal’s extended tenure supports this vision by providing consistency in governance and fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners.
This development also underscores the government’s approach to reinforcing institutional capabilities in cybersecurity governance and ensuring that key projects receive sustained attention and expertise. With threats to digital infrastructure becoming more sophisticated, retaining skilled leadership like Dr. Afzal’s becomes indispensable to maintaining Pakistan’s cyber resilience.
