Pakistan to sign pact with China to strengthen cyber security

The government of Pakistan has decided to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China to strengthen cyber security, while an agreement will also be signed with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations (UN) organization, to set up an acceleration center in the country.

According to a document available with Nukta, a summary for the approval of both agreements has been sent to the federal cabinet.

The MoU has been prepared between the Pakistan National Computer Emergency Response Team (Pak NCERT) and China’s cyber security organization, CNCERT.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has prepared the draft, and the agreement will be signed after cabinet approval.

Under the MoU, cyber security organizations from both countries will cooperate, with China providing assistance in cyber security technology and mechanisms.

Separately, a draft agreement has been prepared between the ITU and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the ministry and ITU and includes the establishment of an ITU acceleration center in Pakistan.

The ITU center is expected to help align Pakistan’s telecommunication services with international standards and further improve the telecom sector.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has sent the summary of both agreements to the federal cabinet. Once approved, the agreements will be signed.

Recent Pakistan-China MoUs

Pakistan and China have recently signed several MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

Earlier this month, both countries inked agreements in renewable energy, cement production, and fertilizer manufacturing, witnessed by top Pakistani officials in Beijing.

During President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China, MoUs were signed for railway upgrades, Gwadar port development, and potential Chinese investment in Pakistan’s offshore oil and gas resources.

In December 2024, Pakistan and China signed an MoU to establish a textile industry park, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s textile exports and strengthening bilateral trade.

Why it is important for Pakistan?

Strengthening cyber security is crucial for Pakistan as digital threats continue to rise. The pact with China will help enhance Pakistan’s cyber defense capabilities by providing advanced technology and expertise.

It will also improve the protection of critical infrastructure, including banking, energy, and communication networks.

With Pakistan’s digital economy expanding, securing online systems is essential to maintaining trust in financial transactions and government services.

Additionally, aligning with China in cyber security ensures regional stability and a proactive approach to emerging threats.