Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) officially established a brand-new Security Operations Center (SOC). SECP launched this operations center to strengthen cybersecurity across the board. Furthermore, the center will proactively detect digital threats and respond to potential attacks targeting SECP information systems.
Inauguration & Global Partnerships
National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar inaugurated the center earlier today. Additionally, SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu attended the launch ceremony. Commissioners Imtiaz Haider, Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza, and Zeeshan Khattak also joined the event alongside other senior officials.
The SECP completed this ambitious project in strict alignment with international standards. To achieve this, they secured valuable support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Moreover, the commission collaborated closely with Karandaaz Pakistan, Inara Technologies, and REWTERZ to build the facility.
24/7 Monitoring & IT Modernization
According to the SECP, this new facility will monitor its networks, servers, and cloud systems around the clock. Consequently, this continuous oversight will identify cybersecurity threats quickly and enable timely responses.
During a separate meeting today, Chairman Sidhu thoroughly briefed the NADRA chairman on the commission’s ongoing information technology reforms. He also highlighted recent infrastructure modernization efforts and the proactive use of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the SECP utilizes these modern tools to significantly improve the ease of doing business.
Future Plans for Capital Markets
Looking ahead, the commission plans to integrate various capital market institutions into a shared cybersecurity framework. As a result, this initiative will improve coordination and strengthen the entire sector’s ability to respond to digital threats.
Under this newly proposed arrangement, the SECP aims to play a much more active role. Specifically, the commission will function as a sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Therefore, it will actively help improve cybersecurity preparedness across Pakistan’s capital markets.
Ultimately, this new center marks another critical step in the regulator’s ongoing digital journey. The SECP consistently strives to protect vital information assets and strengthen the security of its operational systems.