The government has established a national-level integrated threat intelligence and information-sharing system aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cyber defence architecture, official sources said on Tuesday.
According to details, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (N-CERT) has been linked with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Army’s cyber division through a locally operated Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), enabling real-time detection of cyber threats.
Officials said the integration has created a coordinated national cyber defence mechanism, significantly improving the country’s ability to identify and respond to emerging digital risks. The system is expected to reduce reliance on external intelligence and enhance preparedness against advanced cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
The framework will also support faster threat detection and response, limiting the spread of cyberattacks and improving coordination among key institutions. Authorities believe it will strengthen proactive threat hunting and prevention capabilities across the digital ecosystem.
Meanwhile, N-CERT has issued directives for immediate auditing and strict monitoring of software and hardware used across all institutions. A comprehensive review of systems in use has been made mandatory.
The advisory warned that failure to secure software updates could impact electricity grids, banking systems and defence infrastructure, while communication devices, network management tools and industrial control systems may also remain vulnerable.
Sources further indicated that suspicious foreign software was identified in the Islamabad Safe City project, prompting heightened alerts and a nationwide scanning initiative of critical digital infrastructure.
N-CERT has directed that software testing be completed within one week and hardware inspections within two weeks. In case of anomalies, affected equipment must be isolated immediately, evidence preserved, and vendors blacklisted if necessary.
Officials cautioned that non-transparent vendors, insecure logistics and unverified software pose serious risks to national security, noting that global supply chains have increasingly become a front for cyber espionage and sabotage.