The Internet Was Built for Humans, Not AI Agents
October 22, 2026
Pakistan’s SECP has launched a cybersecurity operations centre to detect digital threats early and build a coordinated defence across capital market institutions.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has launched a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to strengthen its digital defences, detect cyber threats earlier and improve its response to potential attacks. The initiative also signals plans for a coordinated cybersecurity framework covering Pakistan’s capital market institutions.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, the new facility will continuously monitor the regulator’s networks, servers, endpoints and private cloud environments. The system is designed to protect critical information assets, identify suspicious activity and support timely incident response.
The centre was inaugurated by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar, who highlighted the importance of strengthening cybersecurity capabilities. The launch comes as financial and regulatory institutions increasingly depend on digital infrastructure to manage sensitive information and maintain operational continuity.
However, the initiative extends beyond securing the SECP’s own systems. The regulator plans to integrate the security operations centres of Capital Markets Institutions (CMIs) into a sector-wide framework for sharing cyber threat intelligence and coordinating responses to security incidents.
The proposed arrangement would support the SECP’s envisioned role as a Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Sectoral SOC. Such coordination could help participating institutions identify emerging threats more quickly and improve their collective readiness to respond to cyberattacks.
The project was funded by Karandaaz Pakistan, acting as the implementing agency for the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Inara Technologies Pakistan enabled the project, while REWTERZ is providing support under a Managed Security Services Provider agreement.
The SECP said the centre would operate in accordance with recognised international cybersecurity standards and best practices. Its effectiveness will depend on how well monitoring capabilities translate into timely threat detection, incident containment and coordinated action across the sector.
Separately, SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu briefed the NADRA chairman on the commission’s information technology reforms, infrastructure modernisation and adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. These efforts are intended to improve regulatory service delivery and facilitate ease of doing business.
The launch marks a step towards strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure supporting Pakistan’s capital markets. The next major development will be the planned integration of institutional security centres into a shared framework, extending the initiative from internal protection to sector-wide preparedness.
