Cybersecurity Essential to Boost Foreign Investment: Shaza Fatima

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that strengthening cybersecurity in the country is essential to build full confidence in digital development and foreign investment.

She stated that more than 32 government services have been fully digitized, and access to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) documents is now possible through mobile applications.

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She said that for further progress and investment, it is necessary to strengthen the country’s laws, policies, and systems from a cybersecurity perspective. While addressing an event related to cybersecurity, she stated that until a strong cybersecurity system is established in Pakistan, it will be difficult to build complete confidence in foreign investment and business opportunities.

She added that cybersecurity is not only a matter of technology but is also connected to every citizen’s personal identity, personal safety, the protection of homes and families, and even national security.

The federal minister said that the world is rapidly moving toward digitalization, where modern technologies are also being used in the healthcare sector. These technologies are creating better opportunities for the treatment of diseases; however, they also increase the risks of data misuse.

She further explained that if someone gains access to the genetic data of a population, there is a possibility of its misuse. Therefore, in the digital era, it is extremely important to make cybersecurity very strong.

Shaza Fatima said that the government is taking steps to further strengthen the cybersecurity system, and work is underway on a Cybersecurity Act and on activating related institutions.

She added that cybersecurity is a highly important field that requires various skills, and the government is strengthening resources and institutional systems in this area to make Pakistan secure and stable in the digital economy.