ISLAMABAD, November 29, 2024 – Pakistan’s premier agriculture financing institution, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), has entered into a strategic partnership with Wateen to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure.
The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) that will safeguard the bank’s critical digital assets and protect the data of over half a million customers.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President and CEO of ZTBL, and Mr. Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, during a ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organizations.
ZTBL has been a leader in digital banking, rolling out a wide range of innovative services such as mobile banking, internet banking, WhatsApp banking, ATM-based financial services, and digital onboarding.
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The bank’s efforts are focused on providing accessible and modern banking solutions, particularly to the agriculture sector.
As part of the partnership, Wateen will oversee the bank’s cybersecurity landscape, ensuring 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid response to potential security breaches.
The company will play a key role in strengthening ZTBL’s defenses against emerging cyber threats and improving its overall security posture.
“We are committed to safeguarding our customers’ trust and securing their data,” said Mr. Bhatti.
“With this strategic partnership with Wateen, we are further enhancing our cybersecurity measures to maintain the highest standards of data protection, allowing us to continue empowering Pakistan’s agriculture sector through digital innovation.”
Mr. Adil Rashid emphasized the importance of securing the financial sector, stating, “We are proud to collaborate with ZTBL in enhancing their cybersecurity infrastructure.
As cyber threats evolve, it is essential to protect critical financial data. Our goal is to ensure that ZTBL’s operations remain secure and resilient.”
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The SOC will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence to proactively defend against potential cyber threats.
This partnership also aligns with various regulatory compliance standards, including those set by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Cyber Security Policy 2021, and ISO 27001 standards.
Through this partnership, Wateen will provide continuous surveillance of ZTBL’s entire IT ecosystem, ensuring that its digital infrastructure remains secure and that customer data is protected.
This initiative strengthens the bank’s commitment to data integrity and further solidifies its position as a secure and reliable financial institution in Pakistan.
The partnership reflects Wateen’s leadership in managed cybersecurity services and ZTBL’s unwavering dedication to securing its digital platforms and reinforcing customer trust in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.
