The government plans to launch its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy by early 2025 to enhance cybersecurity. This initiative will facilitate real-time detection and response to cyber threats, effectively reducing data breaches. It aims to drive the digital economy and shift the nation towards a “Digital Pakistan.”
This policy and the nationwide expansion of digital infrastructure are set to propel Pakistan into the top 10-15 in the next Global Cybersecurity Index, up from its current top 40 position in 2024.
Speaking at the ‘Cyber Threat Intelligence 2024’ conference, Syed Junaid Imam, Member IT at the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, revealed the upcoming policy launch.
Imam emphasized the critical link between robust cybersecurity and a thriving digital economy. “Robust cybersecurity is essential for our digital economy to flourish,” he stated.
He highlighted the swift development of digital infrastructure, including setting up a national Computer/Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT). “Within a month, we will announce sector-specific CERTs for telecom, banking, education, and provincial governments,” he added.
These CERTs will collaborate to share threat intelligence, strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity and digitalization efforts. Successful cybersecurity depends on cooperation among industry, the private sector, academia, and government.
The national AI policy committee, led mainly by the private sector, includes members from industry, academia, and government.
Igor Stolyarov, Technical Sales & Business Manager at Group IB, identified Pakistan as a major target for cyber attackers in 2023, with education, communication, and military sectors being primary targets.
Haytham Nassar, Cybersecurity Specialist at CISCO, reported that ransomware attackers exploit inactive accounts to breach data, primarily targeting finance, education, and manufacturing sectors. In 2023, he noted, prominent cybercrime groups like INC Blog, White Rabbit, and others intensified their focus on Pakistan.
