The cybersecurity audit of 15 federal government ministries, divisions, and attached departments has been completed as part of the ongoing “Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan (Phase-I)” project, according to an official document from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The initiative is a key component of Pakistan’s national strategy to strengthen digital resilience, protect critical government infrastructure, and secure digital assets in response to escalating cyber threats.
The document outlines that Rs. 1,076.17 million—approximately 60 percent of the total allocated budget of Rs. 1,798.864 million—has been utilized so far for various technical and operational components of the project. For the fiscal year 2025–26, an additional allocation of Rs. 250 million has been approved. This budget will support the continued development of core cybersecurity infrastructure, including the National Security Operation Center, forensics capabilities, and screening laboratories, aimed at bolstering the country’s cyber defense mechanisms.
Since the project’s inception, over 800 cyberattacks and incidents have been identified and addressed, supported by the establishment of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT). The team has played a central role in threat detection, real-time monitoring, and incident response across government networks, reflecting its importance in the overall cybersecurity landscape of the country.
The project has also focused on the formulation of national cybersecurity policies and the issuance of technical and procedural guidelines. These efforts are complemented by international cooperation initiatives to support threat intelligence sharing and global alignment on cybersecurity standards. So far, 60 cybersecurity advisories have been issued to government institutions, the private sector, and the public, while 15 policy guidelines have been adopted to improve security frameworks within official departments and their digital ecosystems.
As part of capacity building and awareness efforts, 20 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with universities, think tanks, and cybersecurity firms. These partnerships aim to strengthen collaboration and promote research and innovation in cybersecurity. More than 15 national-level workshops, hackathons, and bootcamps have been conducted in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. In parallel, 56 training sessions have been delivered to federal and provincial institutions, and an additional 12 specialized trainings have been procured to enhance technical skills and institutional readiness against cyber threats.
The initiative has also prioritized public awareness through campaigns like ABC Program, CyberSecureGov, CyberSafety for Everyone, and Junior Cyber Superheroes. These programs aim to educate citizens, particularly younger audiences, about responsible digital behavior and the importance of cybersecurity hygiene in daily online activities.
The audit and associated efforts under the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan initiative demonstrate a coordinated national response to evolving cyber challenges, supported by multi-layered capacity development, infrastructure enhancement, and collaboration between government bodies, academia, and the private sector.
