Pakistan approves 90-day cyber security action plan amid rising threats

Pakistan has decided to accelerate security measures in response to growing challenges posed by cyber warfare.

In view of increasing cyber threats facing the country, the federal government has approved a 90-day Cybersecurity Strategic Action Plan and directed the provinces to expedite the establishment of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and ensure implementation of the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF).

Credible sources told Jang that the decision was taken during the second meeting of the National Committee for Information and Communications, held at the Cabinet Division under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications and Chairman of the NCICS.

The meeting stressed the need for immediate and practical measures to address the growing cyber threats facing the country.

The committee was informed that PISF 2026 had already been approved and that its implementation at both the federal and provincial levels was essential.

The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT), which heads the Cybersecurity Working Committee, presented a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategic Action Plan at the meeting. The plan primarily outlines measures to be implemented over the next 90 days.

The action plan covers several key areas, including governance, regulatory compliance, resource coordination, cyber incident response and crisis management, cybersecurity assessments, and supply-chain security.

The meeting was also informed that a National Cybersecurity Handbook, particularly for government officials, has been prepared.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stressed the need for careful and comprehensive planning to activate the federal computer emergency response mechanism, particularly given that sectoral and provincial CERTs have yet to be established.