NCSOC to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats in real time
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has inaugurated the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) at the National CERT, marking a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s cyber resilience and protecting critical infrastructure and citizens’ data.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister congratulated the nation on Independence Day and paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding leaders and the country’s current leadership.
She said the establishment of the NCSOC represented a new dimension of freedom and sovereignty in the digital age, particularly as Pakistan continues to expand digital government, e-governance and citizen-centric digital services.
Cybersecurity central to digital transformation
Shaza Fatima stressed that cybersecurity must remain at the heart of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
She said the NCSOC would strengthen the country’s ability to monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats in real time, helping protect critical systems and maintain the continuity of essential digital services.
“As we mark 79 years of independence, I am happy to inaugurate something that protects the digital half of that independence — the National Cyber Security Operations Centre,” she said.
The minister said the increasing reliance on digital platforms meant that national security could no longer be viewed solely in terms of physical borders.
She stressed the importance of developing Pakistan’s own capabilities, institutions and human resources to protect the country’s digital infrastructure.
“Independence in the digital age is not just about the services we put online. It is about our ability to defend them ourselves — with our own people, our own institutions and now, our own Operations Centre,” she added.
Cyber defence capabilities tested during heightened threats
Highlighting the experience of Marka-e-Haq, Shaza Fatima said Pakistan’s cyber defence capabilities had remained actively engaged during a heightened threat environment.
She said these capabilities monitored malicious activity, protected critical information infrastructure and helped maintain the continuity of essential digital services.
According to the minister, the experience demonstrated that cyber resilience has become an important component of national security and sovereignty.
National CERT highlights cybersecurity progress
During the ceremony, Dr Haider Abbas, Director General of the National CERT, briefed participants on Pakistan’s progress in strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities.
He highlighted Pakistan’s Tier-1, Role-Modelling status in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, as well as the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026.
The initiatives reflect Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve cybersecurity preparedness and develop a more resilient digital ecosystem.
NCSOC to strengthen digital resilience
The establishment of the National Cyber Security Operations Centre is expected to enhance Pakistan’s ability to identify, monitor and respond to cyber threats while supporting the security of the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
The centre will also contribute to efforts to protect critical information infrastructure and safeguard digital services used by citizens, businesses and government institutions.
The inauguration marks another step in Pakistan’s efforts to develop a secure, resilient and sovereign digital environment, with cybersecurity positioned as an integral part of national security and digital independence.