Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has finalised a strategic action plan to strengthen Pakistan’s national cyber security framework, placing the protection of critical infrastructure, essential government services and national digital assets among its central priorities.
The plan seeks to bring federal and provincial governments, key sectors, regulators and other relevant stakeholders under an integrated national cyber security structure capable of responding to major cyber incidents and potential cyber warfare.
The Cyber Security Working Committee has outlined a series of priority measures including operationalisation of the Federal Computer Emergency Response Team, activation of provincial CERTs, preparation of a five year national cyber security strategy, development of a cyber warfare escalation matrix and establishment of a dedicated framework for protecting Critical Information Infrastructure.
The plan also envisages a specialised service structure for cyber security and emerging technology professionals to strengthen the government’s technical capacity and retain skilled personnel.
Recent official deliberations have also focused on implementing the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 at both federal and provincial levels and strengthening coordination among national, provincial and sectoral CERTs.
Under the proposed governance framework, federal and provincial institutions will be brought under a more unified cyber security system to improve oversight of national digital assets, cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
A major objective is to strengthen the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure and essential government services through common security controls, compliance mechanisms and coordinated monitoring.
The government also plans to establish a national response mechanism for cyber incidents, enabling institutions to coordinate more effectively during large scale attacks and cyber related emergencies.
As part of preparations for cyber warfare scenarios, an escalation matrix will define how threats are assessed and how incidents are elevated to relevant authorities according to their severity and potential national impact.
The broader strategy also focuses on developing cyber security skills through workforce development and educational reforms while introducing stronger procedures for the secure procurement, installation, use and retirement of technology within the public sector.
The action plan has been structured around six broad areas including governance, compliance, resource alignment, cyber incident response and crisis management, security assessment and supply chain security.
These areas are also reflected in the recently reported 90 day Cyber Security Strategic Action Plan being pursued by the federal government to address immediate weaknesses in the national cyber security system.
The Cyber Security Working Committee operates under the National Committee for Information and Communications Security and is tasked with improving coordination between national institutions, CERTs, federal and provincial ministries and other key stakeholders.
The committee is to be led by the Director General of the National Computer Emergency Response Team, with representation from the Cabinet Division, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Digital Authority, NADRA, National Telecommunication Corporation and National Information Technology Board.
Representatives of provincial governments, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, security institutions, the Ministry of Interior and experts from relevant sectors are also expected to contribute to the national cyber security coordination mechanism.
The overall framework is intended to create a unified national capability for protecting critical digital infrastructure, maintaining essential public services and responding to cyber crises that could affect government operations, communications or other strategic systems.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Development Authority has sealed several premises at Mid City Apartments on Service Road in Mouza Gangal during an operation against alleged unauthorized commercial activities.
The enforcement operation was carried out with the assistance of Punjab Police personnel from Dhoke Lalyal Police Chowki and Airport Police Station.
During the action, RDA officials sealed a number of offices, restaurants and penthouses that the authority said were being used or developed in violation of approved building and commercial regulations.
According to an RDA official, the action was taken under the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations and other applicable planning laws.
The authority said unauthorized commercial activity, illegal construction and violations of approved development plans would not be permitted within areas under its control.
RDA field teams have also been directed to maintain regular monitoring of residential and commercial developments and take action against violations without discrimination.
Officials said the campaign forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to ensure planned urban development and compliance with approved land use and building regulations across Rawalpindi.
The RDA has advised citizens and prospective property buyers to verify the legal and approval status of housing schemes and construction projects before making an investment.
Residents have also been encouraged to report illegal construction and unauthorized development to the authority so that action can be taken in accordance with the law.

Multan | ReNews Pakistan
China has expressed readiness to expand cooperation with South Punjab under the next phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, with a focus on agriculture, industry and projects that deliver direct benefits to local communities.
Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan said South Punjab possesses strong natural resources and significant market potential, creating opportunities for deeper practical cooperation between China and the region.
During his visit to Multan, Sun Yan said China was prepared to strengthen coordination with the South Punjab Secretariat and advance the upgraded version of CPEC 2.0 through projects tailored to the economic and development needs of the region.
He said future cooperation could focus particularly on agriculture and industrial development while also supporting initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods.
The Chinese diplomat also called for more “small but beautiful” projects under bilateral cooperation, saying such initiatives could complement major infrastructure and economic projects by delivering visible benefits directly to communities.
Sun Yan said China wanted to translate the understanding reached between the leadership of Pakistan and China into practical development initiatives and strengthen institutional coordination with South Punjab.
The renewed focus on South Punjab comes as Pakistan and China move towards the next stage of CPEC, with greater emphasis on industrial development, agricultural modernisation, technology and improvement in livelihoods.
China has also indicated that CPEC 2.0 will seek to broaden the scope of bilateral economic cooperation beyond major infrastructure projects and create stronger links with regional economies across Pakistan.