Islamabad, 16 August, 2024 (TDI): The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has introduced the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Council as part of its efforts to bolster cybersecurity in Pakistan. This council has been created under the authority of Rule 4 of the National Computer Emergency Rules 2023, as announced in an official statement.
The newly formed CERT Council will act as a key advisory body, providing guidance and oversight to various CERTs across the nation. Its primary responsibilities include ensuring the effective execution of CERT functions, performing assessments, and addressing disputes in line with the guidelines set out in the CERT Rules 2023. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the coordination and enhancement of Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework.
Comprising 15 members, the CERT Council is the largest body of its kind in the country. As of now, the Ministry has officially appointed 10 members, with the remaining positions to be filled following the prescribed procedures. This phased approach allows for a systematic integration of critical cybersecurity stakeholders.
Key members of the council include the Federal Secretary for IT and Telecom, who will preside over the council, and the Director General of the National CERT, who will serve as the secretary. The council also includes representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Division, and the Ministry of Interior, underscoring a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to managing cybersecurity.
Additionally, three members from industry, academia, and civil society have been appointed for a one-year term. These include Mehzad Sahar, a Chief Information Security Officer representing the industry; Dr. Muhammad Fareed Zafar, an academic figure; and Babar Suhail, a civil society representative. Their involvement demonstrates the government’s commitment to integrating diverse viewpoints into the national cybersecurity strategy.
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The MoIT&T regards the establishment of the CERT Council as a crucial milestone in fortifying Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The council is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s ability to respond to cyber threats and in supporting the development of a robust digital ecosystem. This development follows the earlier establishment of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT), further unifying Pakistan’s cybersecurity efforts under a cohesive framework.
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