Lahore, Pakistan – Director General National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, delivered an in-depth lecture on cybersecurity risks and counter strategies at the Pakistan Administrative Staff College, National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore. The session was held under the Director’s Training Programme (DTP), a specialised module of the National Management Course (NMC), and provided a platform for senior civil servants to gain insights into the rapidly evolving digital threat landscape and its implications for governance.
During his lecture, Dr. Abbas addressed the shifting nature of cyber threats faced by governments, institutions and critical infrastructure. He discussed how the growth of interconnected systems has increased vulnerabilities, making it essential for public sector organisations to understand emerging risks and adapt accordingly. He presented practical frameworks and actionable counter strategies that organisations and civil services can adopt to build resilience against cyberattacks. His remarks underlined the importance of aligning national security priorities with digital protection measures to safeguard sensitive data and essential services.
The session was attended by senior civil servants in the promotion zone of BS-21, representing a broad range of federal occupational groups. These included the Pakistan Administrative Service, Police Service of Pakistan, Foreign Service of Pakistan, Inland Revenue Service, Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service, along with officials from federal, provincial and departmental services. The interactive format allowed participants to exchange perspectives on policy challenges, institutional readiness and the integration of cybersecurity into governance frameworks. Dr. Abbas stressed that effective cyber defence requires not only technical measures but also an organisational culture that prioritises security awareness and preparedness across all levels of decision-making.
National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cyber awareness, resilience and preparedness across all sectors of governance through initiatives like this lecture. By engaging directly with senior civil servants, the organisation aims to enhance capacity building and foster a better understanding of digital security within Pakistan’s administrative leadership. This approach reflects the increasing importance of incorporating cybersecurity considerations into public policy and strategic planning to support the country’s broader digital transformation and protect its critical infrastructure.
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