CERT investigates cyberattacks on TV channels, websites

ISLAMABAD: Multiple Pakistani television channels, websites and mobile applications came under coordinated cyberattacks on Sunday night, prompting the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to launch a formal investigation.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima presided over a meeting of the National CERT, which was held in Islamabad on Monday to assess the cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity experts and officials reviewed preliminary findings and agreed to initiate a comprehensive probe into the breaches.

Authorities said efforts were underway to determine the motive, origin and technical nature of the intrusions.

CERT officials assured that a detailed report would be issued once the investigation was completed.

The main attack happened at the state-owned satellite of the country, Pak-Sat, as a result of which several TV channels suffered transmission issues.

However, no major government or private website was hit. Taking note of the situation, CERT issued an alert and advisory to all concerned in government departments and key private institutions regarding the massive attack.

An IT ministry source said hostile states and organised hacker groups attempted cyber intrusions targeting Pakistan’s digital and broadcast infrastructure a day earlier.

Officials are also examining the possibility that a device-based intrusion was attempted through a satellite uplink. However, they cautioned that no definitive conclusion could be drawn until the forensic analysis was completed.

According to sources, two private television channels and one mobile application reported breaches.

The affected platforms were restored after immediate technical intervention and are now functioning normally. At the same time, sources in the power corridors said that the immediate reaction was to launch a counterattack and some Indian TV channels as well as a few Israeli websites faced hacking.

“The signature mark showing that the hackers were supporting Pakistan was a deliberate move to tell these countries that they too can face the damage,” sources added.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026