Speakers at a policy dialogue said that cyber security is a cross cutting issue that needs to be thought out in paradigms of national security. The issues of privacy of information, public order and public morality in context of Pakistan was discussed by the panellists of the dialogue.
These views were expressed by them in a dialogue "Cyber Crime, Pakistan and the Future Scenario" organised by Centre for Public Policy and Governance (CPPG), Forman Christian College Lahore in collaboration with the British High Commission of Pakistan. CPPG and the British High Commission hosted a policy dialogue that sought to explore these issues through in-depth, informed discussion.
They also said that the world becoming smaller because of rapid globalisation on the one hand and with cyber crime on the rise on the other, cyber security is fast gaining global salience. Speaking on the occasion Chief Liaison Prosecutor, British High Commission Pakistan Mark Carroll said that Cyber Crime is a serious issue for the UK, just as it is for Pakistan and the rest of the world. There is an urgent need to pass a comprehensive law to combat cyber crimes effectively in Pakistan which must also achieve global standards. The UK stands ready to assist if asked as the UK Computer Misuse Act has been effective for many years now.
Advocate Supreme Court, Legal Advisor and Special Public Prosecutor National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes of FIA Tariq Bilal emphasised the need for early enactment of the Prevention of the Electronic Crimes Bill. Deputy Director, Counter Terrorism Wing FIA Nauman Ashraf Bodla, warned that never think you are anonymous on the internet and whatever you put on the internet will always remain there. Fouad Riaz Bajwa an internet Public policy and UN Expert Advisor presented a snapshot of the internet traffic and usage in Pakistan and how the country moved towards cyber crime response. The dialogue was moderated by Director CPPG Dr Saeed Shafqat while Imran Manzoor Forensic Examiner in Computer Forensics at The Punjab Forensic Science Agency briefed the audience about the working of the agency.