In a bold step toward strengthening digital defenses, Pakistan has launched its first AI-powered cybersecurity tool as part of its impending national AI Policy, aimed at bolstering cyber resilience and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Strategic Move Ahead of New AI Policy
The tool is being introduced ahead of the government’s planned rollout of its first Artificial Intelligence Policy—expected in early 2025—which specifically prioritizes cybersecurity. This policy forms the foundation of Pakistan’s initiative to evolve into a Digital Pakistan, leveraging AI to detect cyber threats in real time and prevent data breaches.
Core Capabilities and Features
Although full technical details are yet to be released, officials from the Ministry of Information Technology indicate the AI system will feature:
- Real-time threat detection and response capabilities.
- Anomaly detection across networks to flag suspicious activities.
- Integration with existing national CERT frameworks, enhancing collaboration between telecom, banking, education, and provincial cybersecurity teams.
According to Syed Junaid Imam (Member IT, Ministry of IT & Telecom), AI advancements will empower Pakistan to rise within the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)—a ranking currently around the top 40—aiming for a top 10–15 position
Building on Existing Infrastructure
The AI tool will complement Pakistan’s existing cybersecurity architecture:
- The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT), launched in March 2024, serves as the central hub for cyber incident management.
- Sector-specific CERT cells operating in telecom, banking, and education, which share intelligence and threat alerts nationwide.
Still in beta trials, the AI system is being integrated into public and private digital infrastructure, ensuring a resilient cyber defense posture.
Expert Endorsement & Industry View
Industry leaders like Asad Effendi (CEO, Secure Networks) have praised the move, highlighting how AI enables faster detection and automated responses to sophisticated threats in critical sectors. However, cybersecurity experts caution that for AI to be truly effective, robust data governance, ethical standards, and regular audits are essential.
Road Ahead and Adoption Challenges
As Pakistan edges toward fully deploying its AI policy, the government aims to:
- Complete nationwide integration of AI tools across CERT networks.
- Provide comprehensive training for cybersecurity analysts.
- Launch public–private initiatives enforcing accountability and bolstering national cyber defense.
However, experts warn that significant educational and infrastructure investment is required to satisfy the demands of AI-driven systems, especially around data quality, system interoperability, and operational readiness.