Pakistan Takes a Bold Step by Establishing a Cybercrime Watchdog

In a significant move to safeguard Pakistan's digital landscape under the PECA Act, Caretaker IT Minister Dr. Umar Saif announced the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency during the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2023, organized by the National Technology Fund (Ignite), a Ministry of IT Telecom organization.

Dr. Umar Saif highlighted the absence of a dedicated organization to combat cybercrime and emphasized the importance of securing cyberspace. The newly formed agency aims to address issues ranging from cybercrime and online transactions to cyberbullying and the protection of citizens' online data.

Previously, a cybercrime wing was established within the FIA to manage cyberspace issues. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is now equipped with essential tools and skills, gradually taking over the responsibility of combating cybercrime from the FIA Cybercrime wing.

This strategic initiative aligns with the government's comprehensive approach to safeguarding public and private institutions' data, business transactions, and online activities of citizens effectively.

Furthermore, the Federal IT Minister highlighted the establishment of the first National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERTS), with sectoral CERTS set to be formed under this umbrella organization. The government's systematic infrastructure against cybercrimes is rapidly taking shape to ensure its full functionality.

Acknowledging the global competitiveness of Pakistani cybersecurity talent, Dr. Umar Saif mentioned the successful representation of six teams at Blackhat's cybersecurity competition in Saudi Arabia. Four of these teams secured positions in the top 35 out of 250 international teams.

Underlining the importance of collaboration, the IT Minister stressed the need for partnerships between the government, private sector, and academia in fortifying cybersecurity defenses. He urged the private sector's support for ongoing cybersecurity initiatives.

Asim Shehryar Hussain, CEO of IGNITE, expressed the organization's commitment to identifying and nurturing cybersecurity talent. He highlighted the progress in establishing operational readiness for Pakistan's National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) and the imminent institutionalization of a Cyber Security Authority.

Shehryar emphasized the role of education in shaping a safer digital space and urged collective efforts toward raising public awareness about cybersecurity.

Before the awards ceremony, 21 teams from six cities competed for cash awards totaling Rs3 million, with participants in hands-on training sessions receiving training vouchers worth Rs6 million. The top three winning teams from last year's hackathon have already secured international sponsorship after excelling in the Black Hat Me competition held in Riyadh, KSA, in November 2023.