Pakistan has introduced stricter rules for the transfer of government information across international borders under its National Data Governance Policy. The New Data framework aims to improve the protection of public sector information and reduce the risk of unauthorized foreign access.
The policy creates a clear system for managing how government data is stored, processed, and transferred. It focuses on protecting Pakistan’s national sovereignty, security, and control over official records.
Under the New Data policy, all public sector organizations must first classify government information based on its sensitivity. This classification will determine whether the data can be stored or processed outside Pakistan.
Sensitive and critical government information will face stricter requirements. Such data will be subject to data residency rules and can only be transferred abroad under specific conditions. Government institutions must also obtain the necessary approvals before sending protected information outside the country.
The policy introduces a new Sovereignty, Residency and Cross-Border Controls Profile. This framework will define different data residency levels and explain where government data can be hosted. It also outlines the safeguards, approval procedures, and legal requirements for cross-border data transfers.
Officials say these measures will help ensure that overseas processing of government information follows Pakistan’s laws. Public sector institutions must make sure that foreign processing does not reduce the country’s control over its official records or compromise national interests.
The policy also strengthens oversight by requiring organizations to carefully review any international transfer of official data. Authorities will monitor compliance with the new rules to maintain strong protection for government-held information.
In addition, the Pakistan Digital Authority will work with international organizations, standards bodies, and global partners to encourage responsible cross-border data governance. The authority will support international cooperation while ensuring that Pakistan’s national interests remain protected.
The government believes the New Data framework will improve the overall management of official information and establish clear standards for handling sensitive government records. It also aims to balance secure international cooperation with stronger protection of public sector data.
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Through this policy, Pakistan is creating a structured approach to data governance. The framework sets clear responsibilities for government institutions and introduces stronger controls over how official information is handled beyond national borders. The new measures are expected to improve transparency, strengthen data security, and ensure that government information remains protected under Pakistan’s legal framework.
