Government Forms Senior Cybersecurity Panel to Evaluate Threats and Secure State Systems. Pakistan has taken a major step to strengthen its digital defenses by forming a new national body focused on information and communications security. The federal government has officially constituted the National Committee for Information and Communications Security, also known as NCICS, at a time when cyber threats are growing more complex and dangerous for national systems.
This move affects government institutions, public services, and critical sectors that rely on digital networks. It matters because cyberattacks can disrupt communication systems, leak sensitive data, and weaken national security. With more services going online, protecting digital infrastructure has become a top priority for the state.
Why Pakistan Needed a National Cybersecurity Committee
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, hostile and foreign-linked actors continue to target Pakistan’s communication and cyber networks. These threats include espionage, denial of services, and system disruptions. Such attacks can damage government operations, public utilities, and essential services.
Officials believe these risks require urgent action. The government wants a structured and sustainable security framework that can identify weaknesses early and respond quickly. The NCICS has been created to fill this gap by providing oversight, coordination, and policy direction across federal and regional systems.
Who Will Lead and Run the NCICS
The committee will be chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. Its core members include senior officials from key national institutions. These include the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the Director General of the National Computer Emergency Response Team, an additional secretary from the Establishment Division, a representative from Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, and the Secretary of the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board, who will act as the committee’s secretary.
Authorized representatives from provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will also be part of the committee. This ensures that cybersecurity planning covers the entire country, not just federal institutions.
To address specialized needs, the chairman can also include co-opted members. These may come from the Finance Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academia, or other relevant sectors. This flexible structure allows the committee to respond to evolving cyber risks.
What the NCICS Is Responsible For
The main role of the NCICS is to assess and monitor information systems used by federal ministries, divisions, and government organizations. It will identify technical and procedural weaknesses, review existing security practices, and recommend ways to reduce risks.
The committee will also analyze completed cybersecurity and IT audit reports. It will carry out gap assessments in critical sectors such as health, energy, civil aviation, and transportation. These sectors are highly sensitive because even short disruptions can affect millions of people.
Another key task is to link cybersecurity compliance with organizational performance indicators. This means departments will be held accountable for maintaining proper security standards, not just operational targets.
Creation of a Federal CERT and Tier-Down Committees
As part of its mandate, the NCICS will establish a Federal Computer Emergency Response Team under the National CERT framework, in line with the CERT Rules 2023. This Federal CERT will help detect cyber incidents, coordinate responses, and support government bodies during cyber emergencies. The committee may also integrate managed security service providers where needed to strengthen response capacity.
To ensure practical implementation, the government will form tier-down committees. These sub-groups will focus on information security operations, human resource restructuring, financial planning, and the protection of foreign missions. This layered approach ensures that policies are translated into action at every level.
The Cabinet Division will serve as the secretariat of the NCICS. The committee will submit quarterly progress reports to the competent authority, ensuring regular oversight and accountability.
What This Means for the Public and Critical Services
For ordinary citizens, this initiative aims to make public digital services safer and more reliable. Stronger cybersecurity helps protect personal data, online government portals, and communication networks. For critical sectors like health and transport, better protection reduces the risk of service outages caused by cyber incidents.
For government institutions, the committee introduces clearer standards and shared responsibility. Over time, this can improve trust in Pakistan’s digital systems and strengthen cooperation with international partners on cybersecurity matters.
FAQs
What is the NCICS?
The NCICS is a federal committee created to protect Pakistan’s critical information and communication systems from cyber threats.
Why was the committee formed now?
Cyber threats to national networks have increased. The government wants to assess vulnerabilities and build a strong, long-term security framework.
Who leads the NCICS?
It is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, with members from key regulatory, security, and technical bodies.
What sectors will the committee focus on?
It will prioritize critical sectors such as health, energy, civil aviation, transportation, and federal government systems.
What is a Federal CERT?
A Federal Computer Emergency Response Team handles cyber incidents, monitors threats, and coordinates responses during cyber emergencies.
Will provinces be involved?
Yes. Representatives from provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are included to ensure nationwide coverage.
Conclusion
The formation of the National Committee for Information and Communications Security marks an important step in Pakistan’s cybersecurity journey. By bringing together technical experts, regulators, and security institutions, the government aims to protect vital digital systems from growing cyber risks. If implemented effectively, the NCICS can improve national resilience, protect public services, and build long-term trust in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
