Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has decided to launch the Pak Awaaz Secure Mobile Communication Ecosystem, aimed at protecting sensitive government communications from growing cybersecurity threats.
The project, estimated to cost Rs. 708 million, will provide 10,000 secure mobile devices to government officials. According to officials, the devices will be manufactured in Pakistan, feature a hardware root of trust, and operate on an indigenously hardened operating system designed to enhance protection against cyberattacks and unauthorized access.
The National Telecommunication Corporation will implement the project by establishing a private communication network over existing cellular infrastructure. The network will remain isolated from the public mobile network and use centralized multi-factor authentication involving the user, SIM card and mobile device.
The secure platform will offer end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, messaging and file-sharing services. It will also feature a private app store, secure chat services and controlled access to government applications. Key platforms, including the government’s e-Office system, are also expected to operate through the secure ecosystem, strengthening the security of official digital communications.
