Safety net: Cyber security bill to be tabled in NA tomorrow

Citing undue delay, minister says it will not wait for cabinet’s approval

ISLAMABAD: In an apparent move to accelerate the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism, the government on Wednesday said it would dodge the undue delay and present National Cyber Security Bill in the National Assembly (NA) instead of waiting for the approval of the Cabinet.

Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman said that National Cyber Security Bill would be presented in the NA on January 16.

She stated this while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.

The bill was presented to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for approval on January 3 and later was supposed to be sent to the Cabinet, the minister maintained. However, fearing the delay, it has been decided to submit the bill in the lower house this Friday, she added.

The bill has also been made part of the NAP in order to effectively control cyber terrorism/crime and protect national integrity and security against any possible hacking, data intrusion or illegal access to sensitive government affairs.

The committee was also informed that the draft of Prevention of Electronic Crime Bill 2014 has been prepared by the ministry and input of all stakeholders and law enforcing agencies is being sought.

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that the country was facing serious threats in absence of any law, urging the government to consider seriously the National Cyber Security Bill 2014 moved by him.

The ministry assured that his input would be incorporated in the upcoming bill.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2015.