Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Common Criteria Pakistan Lab, marking a significant development in efforts to strengthen cybersecurity standards and enhance digital trust across the province. CCPL is Pakistan’s first cybersecurity evaluation and certification body accredited by NTISB and PNAC, positioning it as a key institution in the country’s compliance and assurance landscape.
Under the agreement, both organizations have committed to collaborate on advancing cybersecurity evaluation frameworks and promoting internationally recognized certification mechanisms for information technology products and services operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The partnership is designed to support the adoption of globally accepted security evaluation standards, enabling local IT solutions to meet international benchmarks. By aligning with recognized certification practices, the initiative aims to enhance the credibility and reliability of digital systems deployed within the province’s public and private sectors. Officials view the collaboration as an important step in building institutional capacity for structured security assessments and compliance validation, particularly at a time when digital transformation initiatives are expanding across government departments and enterprises.
The MoU outlines a shared objective of fostering a secure and resilient digital environment through standardized evaluation processes. With CCPL’s accreditation under National Telecom and Information Security Board and Pakistan National Accreditation Council, the lab is authorized to conduct formal security evaluations that validate whether IT products comply with defined protection profiles and international best practices. Through this partnership, KPITB will facilitate greater awareness and adoption of certified security frameworks among technology providers, startups, and government projects operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This approach is expected to improve assurance levels in digital services, reduce systemic vulnerabilities, and support procurement processes that prioritize certified and tested solutions. Strengthened evaluation mechanisms can also help organizations demonstrate compliance to regulators and stakeholders while mitigating operational and reputational risks linked to inadequate cybersecurity controls.
As digital services continue to expand across sectors such as e governance, education, health, and commerce in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the need for trusted and verified technology solutions has become increasingly critical. By working together, KPITB and CCPL aim to establish a structured pathway for security validation that supports innovation without compromising safety. The collaboration reflects a broader policy focus on embedding compliance and certification into the province’s digital growth strategy, ensuring that technology adoption is matched with measurable safeguards. Through coordinated efforts in evaluation, certification, and standards alignment, the partnership seeks to reinforce public confidence in digital platforms and contribute to a more dependable and secure technology ecosystem across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
