Strengthening Pakistan’s Cyber Frontiers - Strategic Recommendations for National Security and Digital Innovation

With the advancement in technology, there has been an increase in reliance on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and interdependent systems. Nations worldwide are working to safeguard their cyberspace by raising dedicated organizations supported by legislation and technical domains. However, the lack of a regulating framework and the absence of a monitoring organization makes the cyberspace of Pakistan a low-hanging fruit for hostile cyber elements. Unregulated growth of the Internet, e-services, applications, and foreign social media services add to the troubles and a threat to the Sovereignty of the Internet in Pakistan. This paper proposes a dedicated organization with legal support for the National Cyber Space Act. The Act shall have dedicated sections on specific domains, and these sections will be added and amended as per the evolving technologies and situations. The onus of drafting the Act and particular sections shall rest with the National Cyber Space Authority (Planning and Policy Division).