Pakistan sets up body to boost cyber, communications security

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division has established a new National Committee for Information and Communications Security (NCICS) to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework across federal and provincial institutions.

The committee, headed by DG Cybersecurity Haider Abbas, will focus on safeguarding information systems and national digital assets, according to a notification available with HUM News English.

The NCICS will be responsible for formulating recommendations on national information security policies and ensuring that essential security controls are linked with organizational key performance indicators (KPIs) for effective monitoring and implementation.

As part of this initiative, a Federal Computer Emergency Response Team (FCERT) will be set up under NCERT in line with the CERT Rules 2023. FCERT will oversee information security aspects of all government ministries, divisions, and organizations, with a Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) component also being considered.

To facilitate its work, NCICS will establish several functional committees. The Information Security Working Committee, headed by DG NCERT, will conduct gap assessments, analyze vulnerabilities, and prepare recommendations for review by NCICS.

The HR Restructuring Committee, led by the additional secretary of the ex-Establishment Division, will focus on optimizing human resources and creating a specialized cybersecurity workforce within existing personnel.

The Financial Planning Committee, headed by the additional secretary of the ex-Finance Division, will prepare financial plans for cybersecurity projects in consultation with relevant ministries and departments.

Meanwhile, the Committee for Information Security in Ministry of Foreign Affairs missions, led by the Additional Secretary of the ex-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will conduct security audits of foreign missions to identify vulnerabilities, including workforce and supply chain risks, and strengthen protection against potential threats.

The Cabinet Division will act as the secretariat for NCICS, which will report progress and any obstacles to the competent authority on a quarterly basis. Sources say the new committee will play a crucial role in formulating strategic recommendations to safeguard Pakistan’s national security, protect sensitive information, and address emerging digital threats.