ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government issued a cyber advisory earlier this week, urging industries and financial institutions to exercise caution when using Indian-origin software and artificial intelligence (AI) products to strengthen the digital security of the country.
India, which has made significant advancements in the development of IT products and services, is known to be a major player in the global software development industry.
It has remained a top outsourcing destination for companies seeking online solutions, application maintenance, and customer support due to the cost-effectiveness and a large pool of skilled workforce. Over the years, several major multinational tech firms have developed a significant presence in India, establishing their research and development centers and supporting the growth of the local IT ecosystem.
With India-Pakistan relationship characterized by political tensions and hostilities, however, officials in Islamabad have never encouraged digital collaboration with the neighboring state or indulged in direct buying or selling of IT products and services on an official level.
In a notification circulated on Monday, the cabinet division of the government said it had learned that fintech sector of Pakistan, including a few banks, were engaged with Indian-origin companies offering IT products, cybersecurity and AI solutions.
“It is pertinent to mention that use of Indian security products/solutions pose a constant, concealed and force multiplier threat to [Pakistan’s] critical information infrastructure,” the advisory, a copy of which is available with Arab News, warned.
It maintained the possibility of the “presence of backdoor or malware for collection of logs/data traffic analysis and personal identifiable information” could not be ruled out in such products.
Additionally, they made “direct Indian ingress” in the country’s critical information infrastructure possible.
“All Federal/Provincial Ministries including sectoral regulators are requested to sensitize their affiliated setups/organizations/licensees, on the risks involved in use of Indian origin products/solutions,” the advisory said.
It said all users were recommended to refrain from installing and using these IT and AI products and consult Pakistan Software Houses Association to find technical companies for suitable and economical alternatives.
It may be recalled that several media reports emerged about three years ago which said that Indian intelligence agencies had targeted Pakistan’s government functionaries and military personnel through cyber-attacks.
The army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement it was investigating various targets of hostile agencies to get to the bottom of the development.
Pakistan warns industry, banking sectors from using Indian-origin information technology products
https://arab.news/cejzm
Pakistan warns industry, banking sectors from using Indian-origin information technology products
- The country’s federal government says the use of Indian products pose a constant and concealed threat to digital security
- It warns against ‘direct Indian ingress’ into the country’s critical information infrastructure through backdoor or malware
Saudi Arabia, US, Türkiye condemn separatist attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan
- Kingdom says it stands with Pakistan as security forces kill 133 militants in counteroffensive this week
- Attacks hit multiple districts including Quetta and Gwadar, killing civilians and security personnel
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia, US, Türkiye and Qatar this week condemned separatist attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, expressing solidarity with Islamabad after a wave of coordinated violence killed civilians and security personnel across multiple districts.
In a statement cited by the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, the Kingdom said it rejected violence in all its forms and stood with Pakistan as its security forces responded to the attacks.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the attacks carried out by separatist elements in various areas of Pakistan’s Balochistan province,” he said in a social media message on Saturday.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its firm position rejecting all acts of terrorism and extremism.”
Pakistan’s military said on Saturday its forces killed 92 militants, including three suicide bombers, while repelling coordinated attacks across the southwestern province, following assaults that targeted civilians and law enforcement personnel in several towns, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and Kharan.
The military said it had killed 41 militants on Friday in separate operations in Panjgur and Harnai, bringing the total number of militants killed in the past two days to 133.
The military said 18 civilians, including women and children, were killed in attacks on laborer families in Gwadar and Kharan, while 15 security personnel died during clearance operations and armed standoffs.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, reaffirming its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard stability and security.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker also condemned the attacks in a statement shared by the US embassy on Sunday.
“The United States remains a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure peace and stability. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time,” Baker was quoted as saying.
The Turkish foreign ministry also condemned the attacks and prayed for the souls of the soldiers who were killed.
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks as well and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts in all forms, regardless of their motives or justifications.”
https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/2017643162211438683
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a decades-long separatist insurgency marked by attacks on security forces, infrastructure projects and civilians, as Pakistan steps up counter-militancy operations in the region.
