The government has officially begun a Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul under the World Bank-funded Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), a national initiative worth $77.73 million. This landmark effort is designed to modernize Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity governance, and ensure the safety of critical systems as the country rapidly expands its digital footprint.
Government Seeks Global Experts for Comprehensive Cyber Assessment
A central component of the Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul is the government’s search for an experienced international consulting firm to conduct a full review of the country’s cybersecurity landscape. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) issued a Request for Expression of Interest outlining the scope of this major assessment.
The selected firm will evaluate weaknesses across government departments, critical information infrastructures, and private-sector organizations. This includes assessing legal frameworks, institutional readiness, human resource capacity, and technical security controls currently in place.
Sectors expected to undergo detailed analysis include:
- Telecommunications
- Finance and banking
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Information technology
By understanding vulnerabilities across these essential sectors, Pakistan aims to strengthen national resilience against cyber threats.
Revising the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy
A major section of the Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul involves updating the National Cyber Security Policy/Strategy (2021). The revised framework will introduce forward-looking security priorities that match global developments, including the rise of generative AI, sophisticated hacking methods, and rapid digitalization.
Key enhancements expected in the updated strategy include:
- Adoption of zero-trust architecture
- Stronger national incident response systems
- Improved public-private cybersecurity collaboration
- Clear readiness plans for AI-driven cyberattacks
- Integration of post-generative AI and advanced digital transformation risks
The consultancy will also create a long-term implementation roadmap, assigning responsibilities to federal and provincial institutions and outlining performance indicators to measure progress.
New Cybersecurity Act to Bring Global-Standard Enforcement
As part of the Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul, the government plans to introduce a new Cybersecurity Act. This legislation aims to establish robust regulatory requirements for operators of critical infrastructure, digital service providers, and private enterprises.
Key features of the upcoming law include:
- Mandatory breach reporting procedures
- Regular cybersecurity audits
- Penalties for non-compliance
- Regulatory rules aligned with ITU, NIST, and ISO standards
- Cloud security and data protection guidelines
- Frameworks for addressing AI-driven attacks
- Provisions for post-quantum cryptography
The Act will also propose the establishment of a National Cyber Security Authority, the central regulatory body responsible for enforcement, national coordination, and compliance monitoring.
Strengthening Cyber Skills and Workforce Capacity
A strong talent pipeline is essential for any national security transformation, and the Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul places significant emphasis on capacity building. The consulting firm will evaluate existing cyber skills and identify weaknesses in workforce readiness across government, academia, private industry, and civil society.
The initiative will recommend programs such as:
- Certification-based cybersecurity training
- Cyber drills and incident simulations
- University-level degree programs
- Research and innovation centers
- Awareness campaigns for vulnerable communities
The plan also includes proposals to support Pakistan’s cybersecurity industry. Incentives for startups, research organizations, and export-focused service providers will help nurture a more competitive cyber ecosystem.
Ensuring National Coordination Through Stakeholder Engagement
Pakistan’s digital security challenges span multiple institutions, making national coordination essential. The Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul requires extensive engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
This includes:
- Roundtable discussions
- Inter-agency consultations
- Sector-specific workshops
- Technical review meetings
The consulting firm will document all outcomes and prepare templates for international cooperation, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs).
Such collaboration will allow Pakistan to access global expertise, participate in cross-border cyber investigations, and strengthen its role in international cybersecurity networks.
A Forward-Looking Investment in National Security
The Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul represents one of the most ambitious digital security reforms in the country’s history. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, Pakistan’s decision to modernize its laws, institutions, and technical infrastructure is a critical step toward ensuring long-term digital stability.
This overhaul not only protects government systems and essential services but also builds public trust, safeguards private-sector operations, and prepares Pakistan for emerging challenges in the AI and post-quantum era.
The Pakistan Cybersecurity Overhaul marks the beginning of a transformative shift in how the country manages and protects its digital landscape. Through updated policies, modern legal frameworks, skilled workforce development, and coordinated national strategies, Pakistan is setting the foundation for a secure and resilient digital future.
