Under the guidance of PK CERT (National CERT), four provinces – Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan – have taken a significant step towards bolstering cybersecurity by designating departments to serve as their provincial Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
This move comes in response to the CERT Rules, 2023, which established a multi-tiered cybersecurity framework. The provincial CERTs will work alongside the National CERT, notified in March by the Ministry of IT and Telecom.
Provincial Departments Take Charge
- Punjab has chosen the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to handle its CERT responsibilities.
- Sindh has designated its Science Department for the role.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has named the KP IT Board as its CERT, complementing the existing KP Computer Emergency Response Center (CERC).
- Balochistan has also entrusted its Science Department with CERT duties.
CERT Council to Guide National Efforts
The Ministry of IT and Telecom has confirmed receiving nominations for a national CERT council from academia,industry, and civil society. This council will act as the apex body, overseeing national cybersecurity measures. Its key functions include:
- Overseeing the establishment of Provincial and Sectoral CERTs.
- Making recommendations for CERT development.
- Facilitating coordinated efforts to address nationwide cybersecurity threats.
With the formation of the CERT council and provincial CERT designations, Pakistan is poised for a more robust and collaborative approach to cybersecurity. This move signifies a significant commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and citizen data in the digital age.
