Pakistan Strengthening Cybersecurity Framework to Boost Digital Economy and Foreign Investment: Shaza Fatima
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer/ GNP: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has emphasized that strengthening cybersecurity is crucial for building confidence in Pakistan’s digital development and attracting foreign investment.
Addressing an event on cybersecurity, the minister said that the government has already made significant progress in digital transformation, with more than 32 government services fully digitized. She added that citizens can now access documents from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) through mobile applications, improving public convenience and transparency.
Shaza Fatima stated that further progress and increased foreign investment require stronger legal, policy, and institutional frameworks related to cybersecurity. She stressed that without a robust cybersecurity system, it would be difficult to establish full confidence among international investors and businesses.
She highlighted that cybersecurity is not only a technological issue but also directly linked to citizens’ personal identity, safety, family security, and national security.
The minister noted that the world is rapidly moving toward digitalization, with modern technologies increasingly being used in sectors such as healthcare. While these innovations offer better opportunities for disease treatment and healthcare management, they also raise concerns about potential data misuse.
She warned that access to sensitive information, including genetic data of populations, could lead to serious risks if not adequately protected, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures in the digital age.
Shaza Fatima said the government is actively working to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework. She revealed that work is underway on introducing a Cybersecurity Act and activating relevant institutions to enhance the country’s digital security infrastructure.
The minister added that cybersecurity is a highly specialized field requiring diverse skills, and the government is working to strengthen resources and institutional capacity to ensure Pakistan remains secure and stable in the evolving digital economy.
