International Telecommunication Union joined the Pakistan–UNIDIR Cyber Capacity-Building and Policy Training Program held from 12 to 16 January 2026 in Islamabad, engaging 81 participants from cybersecurity agencies and stakeholders across the provinces. The sessions were designed to enhance national cybersecurity resilience, focusing on strengthening Computer Emergency Response Team capabilities, critical information infrastructure protection, and alignment with the United Nations cybersecurity framework through national strategies. Participants engaged in practical exercises and tabletop discussions to better understand the governance structures required for effective cybersecurity management.
During the program, ITU led comprehensive modules covering the formulation and operationalization of national cybersecurity strategies. These included interactive exercises simulating Advanced Persistent Threat intrusions and log analysis to build technical proficiency in detecting and responding to cyber incidents. The sessions also emphasized operational coordination among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and critical infrastructure operators, providing participants with a practical understanding of policy implementation, incident management, and interagency collaboration. The program underscored the importance of translating strategic guidance into actionable measures that can strengthen Pakistan’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Collaboration with UNIDIR and support from Global Affairs Canada contributed to a structured and internationally aligned curriculum. Training emphasized the integration of policy frameworks with technical measures, enabling agencies to operationalize national strategies effectively. Participants benefited from exposure to global best practices in cybersecurity governance, incident response, and resilience planning. The tabletop exercises offered realistic simulations to assess decision-making processes during cyber events, while technical sessions strengthened analytical skills necessary to counter complex threats. These combined efforts are intended to build a capable workforce that can respond to evolving cyber threats while maintaining the continuity and integrity of critical national systems.
The program also highlighted the growing importance of regional and international partnerships in addressing cybersecurity challenges. By bringing together experts from multiple provinces and facilitating dialogue on standards, frameworks, and operational practices, the initiative helped align Pakistan’s cybersecurity efforts with global norms. ITU expressed gratitude to Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNIDIR, and Global Affairs Canada for supporting the program and reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration. Through such coordinated initiatives, Pakistan aims to enhance its cybersecurity ecosystem, ensuring that both public institutions and private sector stakeholders are equipped to protect critical infrastructure, data, and digital services across the nation.
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