Islamabad police warn public against fake e-challa…

Pakistan has faced more than 400 cyberattacks during the current year, with authorities successfully stopping all reported attacks in time, according to the Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team, Dr Haider Abbas. Dr Abbas said the growing number of cyber threats showed the need for stronger national cybersecurity measures. He called for the establishment of a powerful National Cyber Security Authority to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the country. Speaking in an interview, he said Pakistan was facing increasingly complex cyber threats. He also warned about the risks posed by cyberattacks allegedly backed by state actors. According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan needs a central institution with sufficient authority to deal with the growing cybersecurity challenges. He proposed placing the National Cyber Security Authority under the prime minister. He said a national authority working under the prime minister could respond more effectively to major cyber threats. It could also improve coordination between government institutions and other organisations responsible for digital security. The official stressed that cybersecurity had become an important national issue. The increasing dependence on digital systems has also increased the potential risks to government institutions, businesses and other critical sectors. More than 400 attacks reported this year highlight the scale of the challenge facing Pakistan. Although the attacks were reportedly prevented, officials believe the country needs stronger systems to detect and respond to future threats. Dr Abbas said the proposed authority should oversee cybersecurity across the country. It should also ensure that different institutions follow effective security measures and remain prepared for emerging digital threats. A central cybersecurity body could help improve coordination during cyber emergencies. It could also allow authorities to respond quickly when sensitive digital systems come under attack. The official’s proposal comes as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated worldwide. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, public institutions and digital networks from cyberattacks. Pakistan has also expanded its dependence on online systems in government, banking, communications and other sectors. Any major cyberattack on important infrastructure could potentially disrupt essential services. Dr Abbas therefore called for a stronger national framework to protect Pakistan’s digital environment. He said the proposed authority should have a clear mandate and sufficient powers to manage cybersecurity across the country. He also emphasised the importance of a coordinated national response. Different government departments and institutions need to work together to identify threats and prevent attacks before they cause damage. The official said placing the authority under the prime minister would give it greater effectiveness and allow important decisions to be taken quickly. The disclosure of more than 400 cyberattacks this year has renewed attention on Pakistan’s digital security. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen national cybersecurity systems and improve preparedness against future threats.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has rejected allegations of electoral rigging raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the people of Kashmir had made their decision through their votes. She claimed that voters had preferred the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Bukhari said the election results reflected the choice of the people. She dismissed the PPP’s allegations and defended the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The provincial minister also criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. She said political pressure appeared to be increasing within a particular party. She further claimed that Bilawal had attempted to imitate another political leader during his election speech. Bukhari also criticised the PPP’s performance in Sindh. She said the party often used the name of Raiwind to target the PML-N and its leadership. She challenged the PPP to present its performance record from the past 18 years. She also questioned the condition of Karachi, Sindh’s largest city. Bukhari said voters should compare the performance of Punjab under Maryam Nawaz with the situation in Sindh under the PPP. “Look at Maryam’s Punjab and Bilawal’s Sindh,” she said while comparing the two provinces. The minister argued that a government unable to improve roads in its own areas could not claim that it would transform roads in Kashmir. She also highlighted differences in public services between Punjab and Sindh. Bukhari said Punjab had introduced air ambulance services to provide emergency medical assistance. She claimed that Sindh, by comparison, had introduced a bicycle ambulance service. She used the comparison to criticise the PPP’s governance record and defend the PML-N’s performance in Punjab. Bukhari also discussed the education initiatives introduced by the Punjab government. She said Maryam Nawaz believed that every child should have access to educational opportunities. According to Bukhari, students should be able to receive laptops and scholarships regardless of their background. She said such programmes were aimed at supporting young people and helping them continue their education. The minister contrasted these initiatives with the situation in Sindh. She claimed that students in the province were protesting to demand better educational facilities and opportunities. Bukhari’s remarks came after the PPP questioned the credibility of the first phase of the AJK elections and alleged irregularities. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division. The PML-N emerged as the leading party, winning nine seats. The PPP secured four seats. The election results have triggered a political dispute between the two parties. The PML-N has defended its victory and rejected claims that the results were manipulated. Bukhari’s latest comments further intensified the political exchange. She presented the results as an endorsement of the PML-N’s performance and Maryam Nawaz’s governance model. The remaining phases of the AJK elections are expected to keep the political competition intense. Both parties are likely to continue highlighting their respective performance records as campaigning moves forward.