ISLAMABAD: In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam incident, Pakistan has successfully repelled a series of coordinated cyberattacks reportedly launched by Indian hackers targeting several key federal ministries.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that all intrusion attempts were detected and neutralised before any breach could occur.
“We acted swiftly and decisively. None of the attackers managed to penetrate our systems or access sensitive data,” she stated while addressing the media.
Telecom sector remains secure
The minister dismissed rumours of any breach in the telecom sector, affirming its complete security.
“Pakistan’s telecom networks are well-protected and are operating normally. Continuous monitoring is underway to ensure all threats are neutralised in real-time,” she said.
We acted swiftly and decisively. None of the attackers managed to penetrate our systems or access sensitive data.” – Minister
Highlighting Pakistan’s steady rise in global cyber security rankings over the past two years, Shaza Fatima credited the country’s dedicated IT professionals and robust digital defence systems.
“We are not only reacting to threats—we are prepared. Our experts are working 24/7 to guard Pakistan’s digital frontiers,” she emphasised.
CERT issues high-risk advisory
On April 28, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) issued a high-alert advisory, warning of heightened cyber threats in light of regional geopolitical instability.
It cautioned that attackers could exploit current tensions in South Asia and Central Asia to launch sophisticated cyber assaults against Pakistan’s vital national infrastructure.
Cyber security is no longer a technical issue—it’s a national security imperative.” – CERT Director General
The advisory warned of possible spear-phishing campaigns, deepfake content, and malware deployment designed to infiltrate government departments, defence networks, financial institutions, and media organisations.
The CERT stressed the urgency of strengthening digital defences, conducting security audits, and updating all critical software systems to prevent potential breaches.
“Cyber security is no longer a technical issue—it’s a national security imperative,” CERT Director General Dr. Haider Abbas said, urging public and private institutions to treat the threat landscape with utmost seriousness.
India’s counterclaim
In a parallel development, the Indian government claimed to have foiled a cyberattack by a Pakistani group known as “IOK Hacker”, which allegedly targeted Indian Army-linked websites, including those of Army Public School Srinagar and the Army Welfare Housing Organisation.
Indian authorities reported that their cybersecurity defences successfully intercepted all attempted breaches.
As both nations strengthen their digital perimeters amid rising regional friction, the cyber realm continues to emerge as a critical battleground — one where firewalls, not firearms, are defining the frontlines.
