Pak Army Proposes an Alternate Network along CPEC to Improve Cyber Security

Pakistan Army has recommended an alternate network to be built along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route as the current internet framework involves Indian companies that could possibly pose a security threat to the project. The new network will provide a secured flow of internet traffic.

A senior military official put forward the matter in front of National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology. DG Special Communications Organization (SCO) Major General Amir Azeem Bajwa informed the members that the network bringing internet traffic into the country via submarine cables has been structured by a consortium that involves Indian companies as partners or stakeholders, which remains a major concern to the security.

The military official proposed an alternate internet network system to be structured in Gwadar for the flow of internet traffic to Pakistan. The official suggested to establish a cross-border optic fiber network under the Public-Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

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Indian companies won’t be a part of the consortium to lay down the network in Gwadar along CPEC, he said, as the project under CPEC remains a priority to Pakistan. The committee agreed with the recommendation as Pakistan already face serious threats in this digital era. Moreover, the committee directed the IT Ministry to collaborate with SCO for the development of the project.

The country needs to focus on the improvement of digital security as CPEC’s completion will boost a tough competition within the region, adding a threat to security mechanism.