National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) conducted a comprehensive training session on cyber laws at the Department of Information Security, Military College of Signals, NUST. The session engaged students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering in Information Security program, along with faculty members, providing an in-depth understanding of Pakistan’s evolving digital regulatory landscape and cybersecurity governance. Attendees gained insights into the growing complexity of cyber threats and the necessity of proactive risk mitigation measures for individuals, organizations, and national infrastructure.
The session was led by Ms. Zaheema Iqbal, Assistant Director of Advisories & Communications at National CERT, who provided a detailed overview of the cyber threat environment in Pakistan. She highlighted how modern cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring robust legal frameworks, governance structures, and institutional readiness to protect digital assets. Ms. Zaheema emphasized the significance of awareness and proactive measures in addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring resilience across the digital ecosystem.
During the discussion, Ms. Zaheema reviewed the evolution of Pakistan’s cyber legislation, explaining the key provisions and impact of major frameworks including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Digital Nation Act 2025, AI Policy 2025, and the proposed Data Protection Bill. She elaborated on how these laws support data governance, privacy, and digital security while promoting accountability across public and private sectors. The session also explored the importance of harmonizing national regulations with internationally recognized standards, referencing frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which offer benchmarks for data protection, digital rights, and cross-sector collaboration.
National CERT emphasized the need for continuous capacity building within academic institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity posture. By fostering understanding of legislative frameworks, promoting best practices, and enhancing preparedness against emerging digital threats, the training aimed to equip students and faculty with the knowledge necessary to navigate complex cyber challenges. The session underlined National CERT’s ongoing commitment to advancing awareness, resilience, and governance across all sectors of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate education, policy, and practice in cybersecurity, ensuring that future professionals are well-prepared to manage risks, support compliance, and contribute to a secure digital environment in line with both national priorities and global standards.
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