IT Ministry Invites Nominations to Establish CERT Council

Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom has began the process of building a CERT Council, requesting candidates from diverse organizations to ensure broad participation.

This decision is in conformity with the National Computer Emergency Team Rules 2023, which demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing cyber security measures across industries.

The CERT Council, envisioned as the largest forum of its kind, will include 15 members, including representatives from major ministries such as Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, among others. The Federal Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom will serve as Chairman of the Council, overseeing its operations and fostering stakeholder participation.

Notably, the Council will include individuals from academia, industry, and civil society, enabling a diverse approach to addressing cyber security concerns. Furthermore, arrangements are provided for co-opting members on a full-time or temporary basis to provide professional guidance and assistance as needed.

The establishment of the CERT Council represents an important step toward improving the effectiveness of Pakistan’s cyber security infrastructure. It is expected to serve as a consultative and advising forum for all levels of CERTs, assisting them with their tasks and functions, like as assessments and conflict resolution.

In accordance with these efforts, the Pakistani government recently announced the formation of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT), which will consolidate cyber security initiatives under a single framework.