The Federal Cabinet has approved the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF 2026), a national framework intended to establish a unified approach to information security and strengthen cybersecurity standards across the country. The approval marks an important step in the government’s efforts to improve information security governance as Pakistan continues to expand its digital ecosystem and increase the delivery of online public and private sector services. The framework was presented to the cabinet by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication during a meeting held in Islamabad, where officials outlined its objectives and implementation strategy. Developed under the CERT Rules 2023, the framework is intended to provide a standardized structure for managing information security requirements while supporting stronger cybersecurity practices across institutions.
According to the briefing presented during the cabinet meeting, PISF 2026 has been designed as a comprehensive framework that introduces standardized information security requirements across relevant organizations. It aims to establish uniform baseline information security standards that can be adopted consistently, helping reduce differences in cybersecurity practices among institutions. The framework also provides for centralized oversight of cybersecurity related matters, allowing authorities to coordinate policies, monitor compliance, and promote a more organized approach to protecting information assets. By introducing common security requirements, the government intends to strengthen institutional resilience against evolving cyber risks while ensuring that organizations follow consistent information security practices.
The government described PISF 2026 as an important guiding document for Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape and directed the relevant authorities to ensure its effective implementation within the prescribed timeframe. Officials emphasized that successful implementation will require coordinated efforts among government institutions responsible for information security and digital governance. The framework is expected to support the development of a structured environment for identifying, assessing, and managing information security risks while promoting stronger cybersecurity controls across organizations. By creating a common baseline for security requirements, the framework also seeks to improve coordination between institutions involved in protecting critical digital systems and sensitive information.
The approval of the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 comes at a time when Pakistan is experiencing continued growth in digital infrastructure, digital government initiatives, and online services across both the public and private sectors. As digital transformation accelerates, the need for stronger cybersecurity safeguards and standardized information security measures has become increasingly important. The framework is expected to provide a coordinated structure for improving cybersecurity practices, strengthening governance, and enhancing the management of information security risks across relevant institutions. With its approval under the CERT Rules 2023, PISF 2026 establishes a unified policy direction for information security, supporting the country’s broader efforts to strengthen cybersecurity standards and improve the protection of digital systems and information assets.
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