In a significant step towards enhancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience within Pakistan’s public sector, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) recently organized a specialized training session for mid-career civil servants at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore. The training was aimed at equipping government officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with the complex and evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Led by Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, the session formed part of the Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) for Civil Servants, a key component in the professional development of Pakistan’s public administration cadre. Dr. Abbas, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem, has been at the forefront of several strategic initiatives that seek to bolster the country’s defenses against cyberattacks and digital vulnerabilities.
The training session also featured Dr. Ayesha Altaf from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, who joined as a Distinguished Trainer under the National CERT’s Distinguished Trainer Program (DTP). Her participation reflects the collaborative effort between academia and government institutions to nurture a skilled and informed workforce capable of responding to modern digital threats. Dr. Altaf’s role in cybersecurity capacity building has been widely acknowledged, and her involvement in the training added immense value through practical insights and academic rigor.
Throughout the session, participants were introduced to a range of pressing cybersecurity topics that are crucial for today’s digital governance. These included the evolving cyber threat landscape, risks to government systems and infrastructure, incident response protocols, and strategies for managing crises effectively. The training also delved into the importance of national and international data governance frameworks, emphasizing the need for harmonized policies and practices to protect sensitive information and ensure privacy compliance.
A core element of the training was the promotion of best practices for secure digital transformation—a priority for public sector organizations increasingly reliant on technology to deliver services. Attendees learned how to identify potential weaknesses in digital systems, implement robust security measures, and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness within their respective departments.
The National CERT’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader national objective aligned with the vision of a secure and digitally advanced Pakistan. With cyber incidents on the rise globally, and the increasing reliance of government operations on digital platforms, such initiatives are crucial in developing a proactive, resilient, and informed civil service.
This training marks another milestone in National CERT’s capacity-building mission, reinforcing its role as a central authority in promoting cybersecurity across public sector institutions. As more civil servants gain exposure to these high-level cybersecurity concepts, the government’s ability to anticipate, prevent, and respond to digital threats is expected to significantly improve.
By empowering decision-makers and administrators with the right tools and understanding, Pakistan continues to strengthen its cyber defense posture and aligns itself with international best practices in cybersecurity governance and public sector digital transformation.
