Islamabad, April 30, 2025 – Pakistan has successfully thwarted a series of cyberattacks allegedly orchestrated by Indian hackers targeting the websites of various federal government ministries, according to Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Addressing the media, the minister revealed that the attempted breaches were neutralized without any data loss or system damage. “Despite multiple hacking attempts, our teams acted swiftly and effectively to counter them. No system was compromised, and no sensitive data was accessed,” she assured.
The coordinated attacks, reportedly designed to disrupt digital operations and extract sensitive information, were detected and blocked by national cybersecurity teams. Officials confirmed that no disruption occurred in public services, and the integrity of all targeted systems remains intact.
Telecom Sector Safe
Shaza Fatima clarified that no attacks were launched on the telecom sector, which remains secure. “There is no threat to our telecom infrastructure. Our monitoring teams remain vigilant,” she added.
Cybersecurity Vigilance Strengthened
The minister underscored that Pakistan ranks among the top nations in cybersecurity globally. “Our professionals are highly trained and work continuously to protect our digital borders. Their readiness has ensured the safety of government infrastructure,” she said.
This statement comes just days after the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) issued a high-priority cybersecurity advisory on April 28, warning of a heightened threat environment amid geopolitical instability in South Asia and Central Asia.
High-Risk Advisory Highlights Sophisticated Threats
According to the CERT advisory, critical infrastructure and institutions including government departments, defence installations, financial systems, and media outlets are potential targets. The report warns of tactics such as:
- Spear-phishing campaigns
- Malware and ransomware attacks
- Use of deepfakes and digital impersonation
- Attempts to breach classified networks
The advisory stresses that successful breaches could lead to political instability, loss of public trust, and economic damage. The DG of National CERT emphasized that cybersecurity is now directly linked to national security, urging institutions to immediately audit and upgrade security systems.
“All sectors must remain alert. Cyber vigilance is essential to defend our national interests in these volatile times,” the DG stated.
