National Cyber Emergency Response Team Pakistan, National CERT, conducted the second session of its Executive Cybersecurity Leadership Program at its headquarters in Islamabad, bringing continued focus to strengthening leadership understanding of cyber governance, legal obligations, and accountability frameworks. The initiative is designed to engage senior representatives from ministries, regulatory bodies, academia, and both public and private sector organizations. This session followed the inaugural program and continued efforts to build institutional awareness around cybersecurity decision making at executive levels, with emphasis on structured governance and coordinated national preparedness in the digital domain.
The session was led by Mr. Salman Mushtaq Qureshi, Cybersecurity and Business Strategy Advisor and Executive Risk Consultant, who also serves as a Distinguished Trainer under National CERT Distinguished Trainers Program. He delivered an in depth session covering cybersecurity governance frameworks and the responsibilities of executive leadership in managing cyber risks across complex organizational environments. His presentation highlighted how leadership roles are evolving in response to expanding digital infrastructure and increasing dependency on interconnected systems. He also emphasized the importance of embedding cybersecurity awareness into strategic planning processes, ensuring that decision makers are equipped to respond effectively to emerging risks and operational challenges within digital ecosystems.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Pakistan’s regulatory and legal landscape related to cybersecurity. This included an overview of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, commonly referred to as PECA, along with the Data Protection Bill currently shaping data governance frameworks. The session also addressed sector specific regulatory requirements issued by State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, particularly in relation to compliance expectations and institutional responsibilities. Participants were guided through policy development considerations, reporting obligations, and the broader implications of cybersecurity breaches, including legal exposure and reputational impact. The dialogue also explored how regulatory alignment contributes to stronger institutional resilience and improved national cyber readiness.
Interactive discussions during the program enabled participants to examine real world applications of governance models and compliance mechanisms within organizational settings. Emphasis was placed on integrating cybersecurity into enterprise risk management systems and ensuring accountability structures are clearly defined at executive levels. The session further reinforced the need for consistent leadership engagement in cybersecurity matters, particularly as digital transformation continues to expand across critical sectors. National CERT reiterated its ongoing commitment to developing a secure and trusted digital environment through continuous capacity building, strategic advisory initiatives, and collaboration with stakeholders across multiple domains of governance, industry, and public service.
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