Pakistani telecom operator Zong has brought together telecommunications regulators, national cybersecurity authorities, industry representatives and academia in Islamabad to strengthen cooperation on cyber resilience, data protection and emerging digital threats as Pakistan expands its 5G, artificial intelligence and digital services ecosystem.
The industry session was organised as part of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA) Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2026, under the theme Building a Safe, Secure and Resilient Cyberspace.
Discussions focused on improving coordination across Pakistan's digital ecosystem, addressing cyber threats such as phishing, SIM fraud and deepfakes, and strengthening the security foundations needed to support the country's digital transformation.
PTA, PKCERT and telecom industry discuss national cyber resilience
The Islamabad session brought together senior officials from PTA, Pakistan's National Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT), the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, other regulatory bodies, telecom operators and Zong's leadership.
Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member Compliance and Enforcement at PTA, attended as chief guest.
The participation of regulatory authorities, cybersecurity specialists and telecommunications providers reflected the importance of coordinated responses to threats affecting digital infrastructure and online services.
Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of PKCERT, highlighted the need to strengthen national cybersecurity readiness through sustained cooperation among organisations operating across the digital ecosystem.
Brig. Dr. Muhammad Mukaram Khan, Director General CVD at PTA, also addressed participants, emphasising the importance of creating a more secure and resilient digital environment.
The discussions positioned cybersecurity as a shared responsibility involving government institutions, telecommunications operators, businesses and individual users.
Zong highlights security requirements for 5G and AI
Zong Chief Technology Officer Mao Weiliang emphasised the importance of integrating cybersecurity into the development of 5G networks, artificial intelligence systems and digital services.
He outlined the operator's existing security approach, including layered infrastructure protection, access controls and AI-enabled security operations operating around the clock.
According to Mao, these capabilities support Zong's ability to identify, contain and respond to cybersecurity threats.
However, he stressed that technical safeguards alone are insufficient to ensure digital security.
"Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and every individual plays a critical role in keeping our networks secure, resilient and trusted," he said.
The remarks highlighted the need to consider cybersecurity throughout the development and operation of telecommunications infrastructure rather than treating it solely as a response to incidents.
As operators introduce more software-driven network capabilities and AI-enabled services, security considerations increasingly extend across network operations, applications, data management and user interactions.
AI security, data governance and emerging threats take centre stage
The session also examined cybersecurity challenges associated with artificial intelligence and the growing use of digital platforms.
Zong Executive Director Information Technology Ali Waqas discussed data protection and governance, highlighting the importance of safeguarding information as organisations expand their digital operations.
Rehan Siddiq, Zong's Head of Information Security, addressed the role of AI in strengthening cybersecurity capabilities while also examining the need to secure AI systems themselves.
The discussions reflected the dual role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
AI-enabled tools can support threat detection, security monitoring and incident analysis. At the same time, AI applications introduce security and governance considerations that organisations must address.
Participants also highlighted phishing, SIM fraud and deepfakes as evolving threats requiring greater awareness and coordinated responses.
These risks are particularly relevant to telecommunications providers because mobile networks and associated digital services increasingly support financial transactions, identity verification and access to online platforms.
The session did not announce new technical standards, mandatory security requirements or a jointly operated cybersecurity platform.
Cybersecurity becomes central to Zong's technology services strategy
Zong positioned cybersecurity as an important component of its evolution from a conventional telecommunications operator into a broader technology services enterprise.
The company's strategy places increasing emphasis on AI enablement and technology-led services alongside mobile connectivity.
This expansion creates additional requirements for protecting networks, digital platforms and customer information.
For telecommunications operators, maintaining secure infrastructure is essential to sustaining customer confidence and supporting the availability of digital services.
Zong's leadership emphasised that cybersecurity must remain integrated into the company's technology development and operational processes.
The operator also highlighted the importance of data governance and secure digital infrastructure in supporting wider participation in Pakistan's digital economy.
However, the announcement did not disclose new cybersecurity investment commitments, infrastructure deployments or measurable improvements in threat detection and response performance.
Awareness activities extend to customers and employees
Beyond the industry session, Zong conducted cybersecurity awareness activities for customers and employees throughout PTA's Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2026.
The activities focused on promoting safer digital practices, responsible online behaviour and awareness of risks affecting digital communications.
Such initiatives can complement technical cybersecurity controls by encouraging users to recognise suspicious activity and adopt more secure online habits.
Customer awareness is particularly relevant to threats involving social engineering, including phishing attempts and fraudulent communications.
For employees, cybersecurity education can support organisational security practices and reduce exposure to risks arising from unsafe digital behaviour.
Zong's activities formed part of the wider national awareness campaign, although the company did not provide participation figures or specific outcomes from its educational initiatives.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
