Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja inaugurated the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) at National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) in Islamabad, marking another step in Pakistan efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities. The inauguration ceremony was held on the country’s 79th Independence Day and highlighted the importance of strengthening cyber resilience, protecting critical information infrastructure, and enhancing the security of citizens, institutions, and digital services against the evolving cyber threat landscape. The launch of NCSOC also reflected the growing role of cybersecurity in supporting national security, digital sovereignty, and Pakistan broader digital transformation agenda.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, who presented an overview of the organization mandate, operational capabilities, and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving Pakistan national cybersecurity posture. He outlined National CERT role in strengthening cyber defence, supporting institutions in responding to cyber incidents, and enhancing coordination across the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Special Secretary at Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Mr. Ammar Naqvi, attended the event as the Guest of Honor and addressed participants on the importance of coordinated institutional collaboration in strengthening Pakistan cyber resilience. He emphasized that effective cybersecurity requires close cooperation among government organizations and stakeholders to build stronger national capabilities for preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats affecting critical digital infrastructure and essential services.
Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Federal Minister Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja described the National Cyber Security Operations Centre as a new dimension of digital freedom and digital sovereignty for Pakistan. She emphasized that cybersecurity must remain a central pillar of the country’s digital transformation strategy and stated that the newly established centre will enhance real time monitoring, threat detection, cybersecurity analysis, and coordinated incident response capabilities. Referring to the heightened cyber threat environment experienced during Marka e Haq, she highlighted Pakistan continued efforts to strengthen its cyber defence capabilities and acknowledged the country’s progress in international cybersecurity rankings. She also referred to Pakistan achievement of Tier 1 Role Modelling status in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 and the introduction of Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 as important milestones supporting the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem and institutional preparedness.
Following the inauguration, Dr. Haider Abbas presented commemorative souvenirs to the distinguished guests in recognition of their participation in the event. The ceremony also included visits to the National CERT Forensic and CODE Lab as well as the newly inaugurated National Cyber Security Operations Centre, where participants were briefed on its operational capabilities. National CERT stated that the establishment of NCSOC represents an important advancement in developing indigenous cyber defence capabilities while improving the country’s ability to proactively identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to cyber threats. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity coordination, building institutional capacity, protecting critical digital infrastructure, and supporting the development of a secure, resilient, and sovereign digital ecosystem across Pakistan.
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