Pakistan ranked in top tiers of Global Cybersecurity Index: minister

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Friday that Pakistan’s inclusion in the top tiers of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) report is good news for the country’s Information Technology (IT) industry.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said that Pakistan position in ITU-2021 Global Cyber security was at 79 while in the current report, Pakistan ranked among the Top-tier 46 countries.

She said that the report indicated that Pakistan’s legal, technical, capacity development, skill development and organisational advancement are role models.

“The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows significant improvements by countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, capacity building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks, especially in strengthening incident response capabilities,” the report said.

The report placed 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest of the five tiers, reserved for “role modelling” countries that demonstrate a strong commitment in all five cybersecurity pillars.

“Pakistan has performed exceptionally well in the latest ranking and has been placed in Tier 1, alongside countries like the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia,” she said.

She said Islamabad is set to become a ”Model Digital City”, aiming to integrate advanced technology for the benefit of residents. The project, which will serve as a pilot initiative, will enable citizens to access over 150 government services through a new App.

This app will offer various services from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Police, health services, and educational institutions. It will also feature an e-parking facility to improve parking management in the city.