The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is moving forward with the Pak Awaaz Secure Mobile Communication Ecosystem, a new initiative designed to provide government officials with a sovereign and cyber-secure communication platform.
The project has received in-principle approval from the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). With an estimated cost of Rs. 708 million, the initiative aims to strengthen the security of official communications against evolving cyber threats.
As part of the project, around 10,000 secure mobile devices will be distributed to government officials. These devices will be manufactured in Pakistan and equipped with a hardware root of trust along with a locally developed, hardened operating system to enhance protection against cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) will oversee the implementation of the project by establishing a private mobile communication network using existing cellular infrastructure. Unlike conventional mobile networks, this dedicated network will remain isolated from public systems, ensuring an additional layer of security for official communications.
To further strengthen access controls, the platform will utilize centralized multi-factor authentication, verifying users through a combination of their identity, SIM card, and mobile device before granting access.
The Pak Awaaz ecosystem will also introduce a secure communication platform offering end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file-sharing capabilities. Supporting infrastructure will include centralized application management, administrative controls, and a Network Operations Center (NOC), all hosted at the NTC Data Centre.
Additionally, the project will establish a sovereign software ecosystem featuring a private app store, secure messaging services, controlled directory management, and secure deployment of government applications. Core digital platforms, including the e-Office system, will be integrated into the ecosystem to facilitate protected digital workflows and enhance the overall security of government communications.
