Pakistan is set to unveil its inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy by early 2025, a landmark move aimed at bolstering cybersecurity and accelerating the nation’s digital transformation. This ambitious initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to establish Pakistan as a key player in the global digital economy and to secure a top position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI).
Leap Towards a Secure Digital Economy
The forthcoming AI policy will focus on leveraging advanced technologies to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. This proactive approach aims to prevent data breaches, safeguard sensitive information, and lay the foundation for a secure digital economy. Speaking at the Cyber Threat Intelligence 2024 conference in Islamabad, Syed Junaid Imam, Member IT at the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, emphasized the strategic importance of AI in strengthening Pakistan’s cyberspace.
Read More: Apple finally releases AI tools for iPhone users
“Probably in a couple of months, you will see Pakistan’s first AI policy. There is special focus on AI for cybersecurity. There is a realization that AI is important for ensuring cyberspace,” Imam stated.
He further highlighted that the AI policy aligns with the government’s mission to transform Pakistan into a “Digital Pakistan.” This vision prioritizes building robust digital infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth and ensure the nation’s competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
Global Cybersecurity Index
Pakistan’s cybersecurity standing has already improved significantly. The country advanced to a Tier-1 (role-model) ranking in 2024, climbing from 79th to the top 40 in the GCI. Imam stressed that while this progress is commendable, it represents just the beginning.
“Improvement in this rank does not mean we have become secure. It is just a flag that we are taking steps and measures in the right direction. But we still have a long way to go,” he explained.
The new AI policy and continued efforts to enhance digital public infrastructure could propel Pakistan into the top 10–15 ranks in the GCI, a milestone that would position the nation as a regional leader in cybersecurity.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience
As part of its cybersecurity strategy, the government has established a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Imam announced that sectoral CERTs for key industries such as telecom, banking, and education will soon be operational, with provincial government CERTs also in the pipeline. These teams will collaborate to share threat intelligence, enhancing the country’s resilience against cyberattacks.
Collaborative Efforts for a Secure Future
The development of Pakistan’s AI policy is being spearheaded by a committee comprising representatives from industry, academia, and the government. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to shaping a comprehensive framework.
Experts at the conference emphasized the critical role of AI in cybersecurity. “AI can help detect cyber threats in real time, respond promptly, and protect valuable data,” noted Asad Effendi, CEO of Secure Networks.
Read More: Jarvis: Google’s AI that could soon run your browser
Haytham Nassar from Cisco highlighted the rise in ransomware attacks targeting Pakistan’s financial, educational, and manufacturing sectors. This underscores the urgency of adopting advanced cybersecurity measures.