The government of Pakistan has made it mandatory for all public and private sector organizations to adopt cybersecurity standards designed to safeguard national digital infrastructure and secure communication networks. The directive was issued through a new advisory by the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT), which called upon vendors, developers, and technology partners to begin compliance processes immediately. The implementation of these standards aims to strengthen Pakistan’s defense against rising cyber threats and ensure the protection of critical digital systems across industries.
According to the advisory, the Pakistan Security Standards (PSS) framework has been aligned with leading international benchmarks such as the U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS 140) and the Common Criteria (ISO 15408). These standards outline comprehensive protocols for cryptographic security, secure software development, and ICT protection. The framework is designed to provide a uniform foundation for cybersecurity practices across government bodies, enterprises, and technology providers, helping to safeguard sensitive data, secure communication channels, and prevent unauthorized access or cyber intrusions.
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) had already issued a statutory notification in June 2023, making the adoption of PSS mandatory for all entities handling cryptographic or ICT security functions. However, the latest advisory by National CERT emphasizes full enforcement across both public and private sectors by June 1, 2028. Specific directives have also been issued for defense-linked organizations, with the National Telecom and Information Security Board (NTISB) setting a tighter deadline for compliance by December 2025. This reflects the government’s heightened focus on ensuring national defense systems are fully aligned with the prescribed cybersecurity protocols within an accelerated timeframe.
Under the new mandate, any system, device, or software claiming cybersecurity or encryption functionality will not be permitted to be manufactured, marketed, or deployed without obtaining PSS certification. Vendors and developers are instructed to initiate certification through accredited security testing laboratories to validate compliance with these standards. Additionally, all government procurement agencies have been ordered to reject non-compliant products, a measure aimed at improving supply chain security and ensuring that only certified technologies are integrated into critical infrastructure.
The advisory further calls for coordinated awareness and training programs to educate industry stakeholders about compliance requirements and timelines. Critical sector organizations have been urged to alert their suppliers and partners about the transition to mandatory cybersecurity standards, while also planning early adoption strategies to prevent operational disruptions. By standardizing cybersecurity protocols nationwide, the government aims to foster a cohesive and resilient digital security environment, protecting both public and private institutions from evolving cyber risks.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity posture and ensuring that national infrastructure and digital assets remain protected under globally recognized frameworks. The comprehensive enforcement of cybersecurity standards represents a significant step toward achieving a unified and robust cyber defense ecosystem.
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