Cyber Security Ramped Up Amid Escalating Pak-India Tensions

Pakistan has ramped up cyber security across its financial and capital markets infrastructure in response to rising tensions with India. The move is aimed at protecting vital institutions from potential hacking attempts while maintaining market stability.

Cyber Security Ramped Up Across Capital Markets

During a high-level meeting at the finance ministry, Pakistan initiated swift risk assessments to counter possible cyber threats linked to India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistani civilians. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) took preemptive steps by blocking overseas access to sensitive websites, further bolstering cyber defenses to ensure the smooth functioning of currency and capital markets.

The government emphasized that maintaining cyber resilience is critical to preserving financial stability, with additional measures underway to monitor and neutralize any digital threats targeting the national economic infrastructure.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb later briefed Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Minister of State for South Asia, in London about India’s recent hostile actions. He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity and preserving financial operations against external threats.

Pakistan Urges International Community to Condemn Indian Aggression

In his meeting with Falconer, Aurangzeb detailed India’s attacks on Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir civilians, which tragically resulted in 26 deaths. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on seeking a peaceful, just solution to the Kashmir dispute while condemning India’s rejection of calls for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

The finance minister called on the international community to denounce India’s actions and to support initiatives promoting peace and stability in South Asia. Falconer expressed condolences for the civilian casualties and stressed the need for dialogue to de-escalate regional tensions.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry convened an emergency session in Islamabad, attended by the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Chairman of the SECP, the Secretary Finance, and other senior officials. They conducted rapid threat assessments for the equity, debt, currency, and interbank markets, ensuring business continuity despite heightened security risks.

SECP and Financial Institutions Strengthen Risk Management Measures

The SECP took further action by directing all Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), including the Pakistan Stock Exchange, National Clearing Company of Pakistan, and Central Depository Company, to enhance cyber security protocols. These institutions were instructed to immediately activate their full business continuity plans, strengthen cyber defenses across trading, clearing, and settlement systems, and tighten physical security at operational sites.

Emphasizing vigilance, the SECP announced that regular assessments would be carried out to ensure market integrity amid evolving threats. It reassured stakeholders that operations would continue without disruption, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to provide timely updates.

The Finance Minister concluded by affirming that Pakistan’s financial system remains stable, secure, and resilient. All relevant bodies are working together to uphold national economic integrity and public confidence despite external challenges.