NCERT has opened final consultations on the revised Pakistan Information Security Framework 2025, inviting feedback from stakeholders before government approval in February 2026.
What Is PISF 2025 and Why It Matters
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has moved Pakistan a step closer to a new, modern cybersecurity regime by launching final consultations on the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2025 (PISF 2025).
PISF 2025 is designed to serve as a national reference model for how public and private organisations in Pakistan should secure their digital infrastructure, manage cyber risks and respond to incidents. It sets out baseline controls, governance requirements and best practices that institutions can follow to protect critical systems, sensitive data and online services.
In an environment where cyber attacks, ransomware cases and online fraud are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, the framework aims to give organisations a clearer roadmap for strengthening their defences. It also seeks to create a more consistent national approach so that ministries, regulators, banks, telecom companies, universities and other entities are not working in isolation.
Extensive Feedback From Public and Private Stakeholders
According to NCERT, the revised version of PISF 2025 is the result of a detailed, multi-stage consultation process. In earlier rounds, the team received 273 written comments from federal ministries, attached departments, private sector organisations, universities and independent cybersecurity experts.
These comments covered a wide range of topics, including technical controls, governance structures, incident reporting, compliance timelines and the practical challenges faced by smaller organisations with limited budgets or in-house expertise. NCERT says the feedback has been carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, incorporated into the latest draft of the framework.
The current consultation is therefore not the first engagement with stakeholders, but the final opportunity to refine language, clarify requirements and identify any gaps before the framework is formally submitted to the government. Officials stress that this phase is critical to building broad consensus and ensuring that the document works in real-world Pakistani conditions, rather than remaining a purely theoretical standard.
Timeline: Consultation Deadline and Government Approval
NCERT has now published the updated PISF 2025 draft for final review and invited fresh comments from stakeholders across the public and private sectors, as well as from industry professionals and academia.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit their comments and observations by 6 February 2026. During this period, organisations can review the framework in detail, compare it with their existing information security practices and flag any issues that may need further clarification or adjustment.
After the consultation window closes, NCERT plans to consolidate the feedback and prepare the final version of PISF 2025. The framework is expected to be submitted to the Government of Pakistan for approval by 13 February 2026. Once approved, it will provide an official reference for future policies, regulations and compliance programmes linked to cybersecurity and information protection.
What Organisations Should Do Now
For government departments, regulators and large enterprises, the current consultation round is an opportunity to make sure the framework aligns with sector-specific realities. This includes reviewing requirements related to critical national infrastructure, public-facing services, financial systems and citizen data.
Private sector organisations, particularly in banking, telecoms, e‑commerce, fintech, healthcare and education, should also take the time to study the draft and identify where they may need to upgrade policies, technology and staff training in the coming years.
Universities and training institutions can look at PISF 2025 as a guide for updating their IT and cybersecurity curricula, so that graduates are better prepared to work within the new national framework. Independent experts and professional bodies, meanwhile, can help interpret the document for smaller businesses and highlight best practices for implementation.
By participating in this last round of feedback, stakeholders can help shape a framework that is both ambitious and practical. NCERT has indicated that its goal is to deliver a stronger and more coherent foundation for protecting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, but meaningful impact will depend on how actively organisations engage now and how consistently they apply the framework once it comes into force.
Towards a Stronger National Cybersecurity Posture
Pakistan’s digital economy continues to expand, with more services shifting online and more citizens relying on digital platforms for banking, education, healthcare and government services. This growth brings opportunity but also increases exposure to cyber risks.
By updating and consolidating national guidance under PISF 2025, NCERT aims to move the country towards a more mature cybersecurity posture where risk management is systematic and coordinated rather than reactive. Clear frameworks can also support regulators and lawmakers in aligning sectoral rules with a common national standard.
In the long term, a well-implemented information security framework can help build trust in digital services, support foreign investment, protect critical infrastructure and reduce the costs associated with cyber incidents. The final consultation on PISF 2025 is therefore not just a technical exercise, but an important step in shaping the future of Pakistan’s digital security landscape.
