Govt Working to Develop National Cybersecurity Authority

ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to strengthen Pakistan’s digital defenses, the government is all set to establish a National Cyber Security Authority, revealed the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The final draft of the proposal is currently under review in the Law Division for final vetting, marking a critical step toward formalizing the country’s cybersecurity framework.

This development comes as IT and Telecom officials prepare to present funding proposals for two major digital initiatives—the National Cybersecurity Project and the expansion of the Sino Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence (SPCAI)—during the upcoming Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) meeting in Islamabad.

National Cybersecurity Initiative (2021-2026)

The National Cybersecurity Project, launched in 2021 with an estimated cost of PKR 1798.840 million, aims to establish a National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). The initiative focuses on active cyber defense, cybersecurity governance, and the protection of critical information infrastructure. With 70% physical progress achieved so far, including partial office renovations and recruitment, officials are now seeking an additional PKR 249.122 million for FY 2025-26 to complete the remaining tasks.

The establishment of the National Cyber Security Authority is expected to further bolster these efforts, providing a centralized body to oversee and implement cybersecurity measures across the country.

Sino Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence (SPCAI) Expansion (2025-2027)

In parallel, officials are also seeking funding to expand the Sino Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence (SPCAI). With a projected cost of PKR 444.820 million, the expansion aims to upgrade SPCAI’s infrastructure to support advanced research in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI security, and energy efficiency.

The project, which has yet to see physical or financial progress, is critical for positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for AI innovation. Officials are proposing a demand of PKR 155 million for FY 2025-26 to initiate the establishment of specialized laboratories and other necessary infrastructure.

Strategic Importance

The establishment of the National Cyber Security Authority and the expansion of SPCAI are central to Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda. These initiatives aim to safeguard the country’s digital ecosystem against growing cyber threats while driving innovation and addressing modern industrial challenges through cutting-edge AI research.

Officials from the IT and Telecom Ministry emphasize that securing funding during the PSDP meeting is essential to maintain progress and ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. The finalization of the National Cyber Security Authority’s draft by the Law Division is a key milestone, reflecting the government’s commitment to building a secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced future.