Pakistan Joins The Top Tier Of Global Cybersecurity

Uploaded on 2024-10-09 in NEWS-Cybersecurity News, GOVERNMENT-National, FREE TO VIEW, BUSINESS-Services-IT & Telecoms

Pakistan’s State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said recently that Pakistan’s inclusion in the top tiers of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) report is good news, and a significant achievement, for the country’s IT industry. Addressing a press conference she said that Pakistan position in ITU-2021 Global Cyber security was at 79 while in the current report, Pakistan ranked amongst the Top-tier 46 countries.

She said that the report indicated that Pakistan’s legal, technical, capacity development, skill development and organisational advancement are role models. “The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows significant improvements by countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, capacity building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks, especially in strengthening incident response capabilities,” the report said.

The report placed 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest of the five tiers, reserved for “role modelling” countries that demonstrate a strong commitment in all five cyber security pillars with Pakistan included.

“Pakistan has performed exceptionally well in the latest ranking and has been placed in Tier 1, alongside countries like the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia,” she said. She said, “It is an honour for the nation and the IT industry that Pakistan is now included in the top tiers of cyber security.”

Shaza Fatima also acknowledged the collective efforts of various departments, including Pakistan Telecommunication, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Ministry of Planning Commission, the Ministry of Defence, law enforcement agencies, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in achieving this milestone. She expressed gratitude to the provinces and all stakeholders for their contributions and support in strengthening Pakistan’s cyber security infrastructure and promoting digital advancement across the country. Shaza Fatima Khawaja also expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his pivotal role in achieving the historic goal. She highlighted his unwavering support and keen interest in the IT sector, emphasising that his leadership has been instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s position in the global cyber security landscape.

As an indication of growing international confidence, the minister also disclosed that for the first time, Google has invested in Pakistan and plans to manufacture Chromebooks in the country

She said Islamabad is set to become a ”Model Digital City” aiming to integrate advanced technology for the benefit of residents. The project, which will serve as a pilot initiative, will enable citizens to access over 150 government services through a new government App.This app will offer various services from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Police, health services, and educational institutions. It will also feature an e-parking facility to improve parking management in the city.

For developing countries working to achieve cyber secure meaningful connectivity, the GCI offers a clear picture of where they are and a roadmap of activities to make progress. Countries must, however, be willing to engage in the ongoing processes of enhancing cybersecurity and working to enhance the quality and impact of their activities, to meet future challenges and bring meaningful connectivity to all.

Image: Ideogram

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