In its continued commitment to fortifying national cybersecurity, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) successfully hosted the eighth session of its flagship initiative, CyberSecureGov: Cyber Guidelines Initiative. The program aims to bolster cybersecurity capabilities across Pakistan’s public sector by promoting knowledge sharing, practical learning, and strategic planning.
This milestone session brought together a diverse group of participants from high-profile government institutions, reinforcing the initiative’s growing influence and cross-sector relevance. Among the organizations represented were the Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Information Technology Board (NITB), Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, and the Management Information Systems (MIS) Wing of the Home Department, Government of Punjab. The broad-based participation reflected an increasing national awareness that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between federal, provincial, and departmental entities.
The session addressed the evolving landscape of cyber threats and vulnerabilities that challenge the integrity of public sector digital infrastructure. Through a mix of interactive engagements, expert-led discussions, and capacity-building exercises, the event offered a hands-on platform for government stakeholders to better understand and implement strategic responses to cyber risks.
Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), delivered a keynote presentation that outlined the critical importance of cyber risk identification and the integration of departmental strategies with national security frameworks. She emphasized that structured and proactive use of cyber guidelines is essential for improving institutional cyber resilience. Her insights were particularly relevant as Pakistan continues to digitize key governance systems across various ministries and departments.
Following Dr. Afzal’s remarks, Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building, led an engaging and practical session focused on the development of strategic cybersecurity roadmaps. His emphasis on operational readiness, adaptability, and long-term security planning inspired participants to think beyond reactive measures and adopt a forward-looking, risk-aware approach tailored to the needs of their respective organizations.
The eighth CyberSecureGov session was more than just a training event—it served as a crucial forum for inter-agency dialogue and collaboration. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions, exchanged best practices, and explored sector-specific solutions to enhance the cyber maturity of public sector institutions. The program’s focus on hands-on learning and cross-functional cooperation positions it as a cornerstone for building a secure digital governance ecosystem in Pakistan.
By providing government officials with the tools, frameworks, and collaborative networks necessary to address modern cybersecurity challenges, CyberSecureGov continues to act as a catalyst for national cybersecurity transformation. The initiative has already proven instrumental in shaping cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and governance across various tiers of government.
As Pakistan accelerates its digital ambitions, efforts like the CyberSecureGov sessions by National CERT are not just timely—they are indispensable. With every session, the initiative strengthens the cyber hygiene of public institutions, preparing them to safeguard sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and citizen services against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
