Pakistan Moves Data Home Amid Rising Cyber Threats

Pakistan’s government is directing public and private sector organizations to migrate 90% of their data currently hosted overseas, primarily in the US and Singapore, to local data centers. This move comes as geopolitical tensions, specifically related to the US relationship with Iran, increase cybersecurity concerns for the country.

Pakistan recorded 253 cyberattacks in 2026, including a recent ransomware attack on a government entity. Industry experts emphasize that storing sensitive data abroad exposes institutions to data sovereignty risks and potential breaches.

The federal government recently proposed a cybersecurity framework mandating this data migration, prioritizing strategic and defense institutions. The National Telecommunication Corporation has already signed a three-year agreement with Data Vault Pakistan to facilitate the transfer of data for over 100 public sector organizations. With over 30 data centers already operating within Pakistan, this initiative aims to strengthen national cybersecurity and encourage investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.