AI and Cybersecurity Laws in Pakistan: Strengthening Legal Frameworks for National Security in the Digital Age (Post-PECA Reforms)

Abstract

Pakistan is undergoing a fast digital transition just like many nations in the world. The increasing dependency on the digital platforms, information technologies and interconnected systems has transformed the modern age and the way of functioning of the state, institutions, businesses and people. The country is slowly being transformed into a digitally enabled environment, starting with digital banking, e-governance and online communication. As much as this advancement comes with diverse social and economic opportunities, it also comes with new security threats especially in the cyberspace arena. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant advancements of the 21^st century. With its broad scope of applications, facial recognition systems and automated decision-making, machine learning algorithms, AI is transforming national defence systems, delivery of services to the population, and the work of the private sector. Nonetheless, the application of AI also involves the complex cybersecurity threats that cannot be managed to the full extent by the traditional legal frameworks. Such dangers are AI-based cyber-attacks, deepfake identity theft, algorithmic control, and misuse of intelligent surveillance systems. In this respect, one cannot disregard the role of AI when it comes to cybersecurity. The introduction of AI technologies to numerous industries without proper regulatory control has been a matter of grave concern in terms of privacy, data security, and national security. Criminals on the internet are now using AI tools to conduct more advanced attacks that are difficult to identify and stop. Besides, these threats do not only attack individuals and individual companies, but they also create high risks to national infrastructure systems such as defence, financial and communication systems. To address such challenges, the Government of Pakistan introduced the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2016, followed by the National Cyber Security Policy in 2021. Such legislative initiatives were meant to provide a legal basis to address cybercrimes and guarantee cybersecurity. But as cyber threats related to AI have grown increasingly complex, such frameworks currently need significant reform and modernization. The existing legal framework does not provide any particular rules that address the issue of AI-generated crimes or control the ethical application of AI technologies in the cyber world. The objective of the research article is to evaluate the available cybersecurity legal frameworks in Pakistan regarding post-PECA reforms. It examines critically the strengths and weaknesses of the PECA 2016 and the National Cyber Security Policy 2021 with special reference to how they can address the emerging threats of AI. The research also relates the legislative practice in Pakistan to the best worldwide practice and determines the areas of improvement and suggests practical changes. The final point is to suggest a more powerful, flexible, and visionary legal framework that can enhance cybersecurity position of Pakistan and protect national interests in the digital era.