Islamabad, Pakistan – National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan hosted probationary officers from the 53rd Common Training Programme at its headquarters as part of their Islamabad Study Tour. The group consisted of officers currently undergoing pre-service training at Civil Services Academy in Lahore. During the visit, Dr. Haider Abbas TI, Director General of National CERT, welcomed the officers and shared insights into the organization’s role in safeguarding the nation’s cyberspace. The session included detailed discussions on cyber threats, national cyber strategy, and the operational protocols followed by National CERT to respond to cyber emergencies.
The briefing was further enriched by Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings, who elaborated on the evolving national and international threat landscape. He provided the officers with an understanding of how cyber threats impact economic, social, and administrative sectors, while explaining National CERT’s core mandate, strategic initiatives, and framework for responding to incidents. Probationary officers also learned about ongoing projects to strengthen Pakistan’s cyber resilience and improve preparedness against digital risks. The visit offered participants an opportunity to observe practical approaches in managing cybersecurity challenges at a federal level.
This engagement aligns with the objectives of the Islamabad Study Tour, which is designed to familiarize probationary officers with various tiers of federal government operations and national security mechanisms, including cybersecurity. The officers were able to gather relevant data for their syndicate research projects while gaining firsthand exposure to cyber governance and its importance in national security. Discussions also highlighted the administrative and operational dimensions of building cyber resilience, providing future civil servants with a comprehensive understanding of threats, prevention, and mitigation strategies.
National CERT emphasized its commitment to knowledge exchange and capacity building, fostering collaboration with the future leaders of Pakistan’s civil services. By engaging with the 53rd CTP officers, the organization aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity challenges, share best practices, and contribute to the development of a skilled cadre of administrators capable of addressing emerging digital threats. National CERT looks forward to continued partnerships with Civil Services Academy to strengthen Pakistan’s collective cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.
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