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ENGAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT FRAMEWORK FOR AUDIT ACTIVITIES

SERVICES > ENGAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT FRAMEWORK

Engagement & Oversight Framework for Audit Activities

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (nCERT) has established this framework to ensure standardized, transparent, and accountable engagement of registered audit firms under the Pakistan Information Security Framework (PISF).
This framework defines processes and oversight mechanisms for conducting security audits and compliance readiness activities across government and critical sectors. It ensures consistency in audit practices while strengthening the national cybersecurity posture.
The framework applies to federal and provincial government entities, public sector organizations, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), and all nCERT registered audit firms engaged for IT and OT domains.
Key Features
  1. Standardized audit and compliance engagement lifecycle
  2. Mandatory engagement of nCERT registered firms only
  3. Category-based firm selection aligned with risk and scope
  4. Confidentiality ensured through Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
  5. Strict conflict of interest and independence requirements
Engagement Process Overview
The framework defines a structured lifecycle for audit and compliance activities:
  1. Initiation and requirement identification
  2. Firm selection based on category
  3. Notification to nCERT (within 7 days)
  4. Risk-based planning
  5. Execution of audit/compliance activities
  6. Exit meeting and preliminary findings
  7. Reporting to organization and nCERT
  8. Remediation and corrective actions
  9. Closure with nCERT approval
Firm Category Classification
Category Organization Type Scope
CAT-I Critical Sectors High security (IT/OT/Cloud – More than 150 nodes)
CAT-II Critical Sectors Enhanced security (Up to 150 nodes)
CAT-III Non-Critical Sectors Intermediate security (IT only – More than 150 nodes)
CAT-IV Non-Critical Sectors Baseline security (IT only – Up to 150 nodes)
Oversight & Governance
nCERT, along with relevant authorities, ensures oversight by reviewing audit plans, reports, and supporting documentation. It may participate in audit activities, conduct quality assurance reviews, and perform independent validations or re-assessments where required.

Quality Assurance & Enforcement
To maintain integrity and quality, nCERT may enforce corrective actions, mandate re-audits, suspend or downgrade firms, or revoke registration in cases of non-compliance, negligence, or misconduct. Decisions of nCERT are final and binding under this framework.
Download Framework
Download the complete document for detailed procedures, requirements, and governance mechanisms.

Download Engagement Framework Document
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