Paving a digital future

As the world hurtles towards an unprecedented digital transformation, Pakistan is poised to take a significant leap forward with the upcoming rollout of its first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) policy early next year. This is a much-needed initiative that not only responds to the global shift in technology but will hopefully work as a proactive measure that fortifies the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure and enhances its digital economy.

Top government officials have recently been highlighting the critical role AI plays in safeguarding cyberspace. They are also noting that while cyber threats always used to evolve rapidly, new threats are emerging even faster due to recent advances in AI's availability and accessibility. The integration of AI into cybersecurity frameworks is thus not just a recommendation; it is imperative. The ability of AI to detect vulnerabilities and respond to threats in real time can spell the difference between safety and catastrophic data breaches.

Pakistan's trajectory is encouraging. The country has made noticeable strides in the Global Cybersecurity Index, soaring from 79th place to a commendable Tier-1 ranking among the top 40 nations over the course of just one year. While this progression highlights improvement, it also serves as a reminder that much work remains to secure government and citizens from online threats.

A cornerstone of the new AI policy is the strengthening of digital infrastructure. The establishment of a national Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) and sectoral CERTs creates a robust framework for addressing cyber threats against sectors such as banking, education and telecommunications, which will be crucial in building an agile and responsive cybersecurity landscape. Apart from security, the AI policy also paves the way for economic growth, because a secure digital landscape will not only protect the data and information of businesses and individuals, but will also cultivate an environment conducive to investment and innovation.