The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) has initiated preparations for the first meeting of the Computer Emergency Response Team Council (CERT Council), marking a pivotal step in Pakistan’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity framework. This upcoming meeting will convene key stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure.
According to sources, the inaugural meeting will focus on recommending provincial CERTs for notification, including those for Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The federal government will approve and formalize these provincial CERTs based on the council’s recommendations. Additionally, the council is set to propose the creation of Telecom and Defense CERTs for federal approval.
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The CERT Council consists of 15 members, including representatives from crucial ministries such as Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior. The council will be chaired by the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. To ensure well-rounded input, the council also includes representatives from academia, industry, and civil society.
The IT Ministry views the formation of the CERT Council as a significant advancement in enhancing Pakistan’s ability to counter cyber threats. This move follows the formal establishment of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT), aligning the nation’s cybersecurity efforts under a cohesive strategy. With the CERT Council now operational, Pakistan is well-positioned to develop a more resilient and secure digital infrastructure.
