Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted a high-powered committee, comprising federal ministers and heads of intelligence agencies, to oversee investigation into leaks of conversations in Prime Minister’s House (PMO), it emerged. Last month, a series of audio recordings of separate conversations purportedly featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, key leaders of ruling PML-N, PTI Chairman Imran Khan and former federal ministers surfaced on social media. Embarrassing leaks particularly raised concerns about security arrangements at PM House, which is otherwise considered a highly secure place.

According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division September 30Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah will lead high-level committee, which comprises Minister of Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood, Minister for IT and Telecommunication Aminul Haque, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence, Director General of Intelligence Bureau and Cabinet’s secretary. Technical experts from Pakistan Telecom Authority, Federal Investigation Agency, ISI and National Information Technology Board will also be co-opted members of probe.

Committee will be responsible for overseeing and reviewing cyber security breach at PM Office and ensuring that it covered all aspects of matter within seven days. “They will review existing cyber security protocols of Prime Minister House/Office and suggest immediate measures and action plan to develop foolproof security systems and digital eco-system that insulates cyberspace of PM Office/House from all kinds of intrusion (in seven days),” notification said.

Committee will revisit existing e-safety and cybersecurity procedures and guidelines, broadly evaluate existing capability and vulnerabilities of government departments and reassess risks associated with various electronic gadgets such as tablets, smartphones, WiFi and other cyber devices. “And suggest measures to develop resilience of government offices against cyber attacks.” Furthermorethe prime minister has instructed committee to suggest recommendations to protect sensitive data of important ministries within 15 days and draft a legal framework for a secure cyber environment of government offices.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 05 2022

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