n a major achievement for Pakistan’s IT sector, the country has secured a spot among the top-tier nations in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024. This marks a significant leap from its previous position at 79 in the 2021 report to the top 46 countries in the latest rankings.
State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced the development during a press conference on Friday. She hailed the inclusion as a positive milestone for Pakistan’s IT industry, emphasizing that it reflects the country’s progress in cybersecurity.
“The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows considerable improvements in nations that are implementing critical legal measures, capacity-building initiatives, and frameworks for cooperation, especially in strengthening incident response capabilities,” said the minister, citing the report.
Pakistan Among Elite Countries in Cybersecurity
The GCI 2024 placed Pakistan in Tier 1, a category reserved for “role model” countries with strong commitments in all five cybersecurity pillars. Pakistan now stands alongside global leaders such as the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
“Being in Tier 1 is an honor for Pakistan and its IT industry,” Shaza noted, adding that the recognition serves as a testament to Pakistan’s advancements in legal, technical, organizational, and capacity development areas.
IT Exports to Surpass $3 Billion
Shaza also highlighted the country’s growing IT export market, projecting that exports would surpass $3 billion this year. The report’s recognition of Pakistan’s robust cybersecurity framework is expected to boost confidence in its digital economy and further drive growth.
Collaboration Across Departments
The minister acknowledged the collective efforts of various governmental bodies, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Planning Commission, Ministry of Defence, law enforcement agencies, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in helping Pakistan achieve this milestone.
Shaza expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his critical role in supporting the IT sector and promoting cybersecurity initiatives. She praised his leadership, which has been key to advancing Pakistan’s global cybersecurity standing.
Google’s Investment and Digital Advancement
The minister also pointed to new initiatives aimed at further strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. Notably, she revealed that Google has made its first-ever investment in Pakistan, with plans to manufacture Chromebooks locally.
In addition, Islamabad is set to become a “Model Digital City” under a new initiative. Residents will gain access to over 150 government services through a newly developed app. Services will include offerings from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Police, health services, and educational institutions. The app will also feature an e-parking facility to enhance the city’s parking management system.
This achievement not only underscores Pakistan’s growing influence in the global cybersecurity landscape but also highlights the country’s commitment to digital transformation and the development of its IT infrastructure.
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