National CERT and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority have convened a high level cybersecurity engagement session aimed at strengthening the resilience of Pakistan’s electronic media and broadcasting sector against an evolving cyber threat landscape. The session was held at PEMRA Headquarters in Islamabad and brought together Chief Technical Officers, cybersecurity professionals, and technical representatives from satellite television broadcasters and distribution licensees. The initiative was hosted by PEMRA and jointly led by National CERT, PakSat, and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, reflecting a coordinated national effort to improve the cybersecurity posture of one of the country’s critical information sectors.
The meeting focused on the security challenges facing Pakistan’s broadcasting ecosystem and explored measures to improve the protection of critical media infrastructure. Discussions centered on the security of satellite uplink infrastructure, mitigation of signal interference risks, protection of broadcast transmission channels, and the adoption of cybersecurity best practices across broadcasting organizations. Participants highlighted the increasing importance of safeguarding media infrastructure from emerging cyber threats that could disrupt communication services and impact the availability and integrity of information dissemination systems. The session also examined the need for a structured and risk based approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing that broadcasting organizations must integrate security considerations into their operational and governance frameworks.
During the engagement, representatives from the participating organizations stressed the need to institutionalize cybersecurity governance across the broadcasting industry. License holders were advised to conduct comprehensive third party cybersecurity assessments and audits of their critical systems to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. Organizations were also encouraged to establish Security Operations Center capabilities or adopt managed security monitoring services to improve visibility into potential threats and accelerate incident response efforts. In addition, participants were advised to appoint dedicated Chief Information Security Officers and develop structured implementation roadmaps aligned with timelines prescribed by PEMRA. These measures are intended to strengthen the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and resilience of broadcasting infrastructure and ensure that organizations are better prepared to detect and respond to cyber incidents.
The session further emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions and industry stakeholders in protecting national digital infrastructure. National CERT shared strategic guidance on improving cyber preparedness, enhancing incident response capabilities, and fostering a proactive cybersecurity culture across the electronic media sector. Technical experts from PakSat and SUPARCO provided specialized insights into the resilience and security of satellite communication systems and space enabled services that support national broadcasting operations. The discussions also highlighted the value of information sharing, capacity building initiatives, and the adoption of international cybersecurity standards to strengthen sector wide resilience. National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its collaboration with PEMRA, PakSat, SUPARCO, and industry stakeholders to improve cybersecurity readiness and support the protection of Pakistan’s electronic media services against emerging cyber risks.
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