Islamabad, November 29, 2024 – Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Pakistan’s leading agricultural financing institution, has joined forces with Wateen, a pioneer in Pakistan’s ICT sector and a leader in managed cybersecurity services, to establish a cutting-edge Security Operations Center (SOC). This initiative is designed to protect ZTBL’s critical digital infrastructure and secure the data of over half a million customers.
The agreement was formalized between Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President/CEO of ZTBL, and Mr. Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, during a signing ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organizations.
ZTBL has been a trailblazer in digital banking innovation, offering diverse services such as internet banking, WhatsApp banking, mobile banking, ATM-based solutions, door-to-door digital services via tablet-based mobile apps, digital onboarding, RAAST integration, advanced customer support centers, and USSD-based banking.
Under the partnership, Wateen will provide round-the-clock monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid incident response to secure ZTBL’s digital assets. The collaboration aims to bolster ZTBL’s cybersecurity resilience against evolving cyber threats while maintaining the integrity of its IT ecosystem.
on this occasion, Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President/CEO of ZTBL, said “At ZTBL, safeguarding customer trust and securing their data are top priorities. With our extensive digital banking portfolio and this partnership with Wateen, we are reaffirming our commitment to the highest standards of cybersecurity while continuing to empower Pakistan’s agriculture sector.”
Mr. Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, highlighted the importance of the collaboration:
“We are honored to partner with ZTBL to fortify their cybersecurity infrastructure. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, protecting the financial sector is more critical than ever. Our mission is to safeguard ZTBL’s critical data, ensure operational resilience, and set a benchmark for cybersecurity in the industry.”
Wateen brings extensive expertise in banking regulations and cybersecurity protocols, making it an ideal partner for ZTBL. The SOC employs advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence, to proactively detect and neutralize potential risks.
The initiative adheres to key regulatory and compliance frameworks, such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) guidelines, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) requirements, National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulations, PCI DSS protocols, and ISO 27001 standards. These measures solidify ZTBL’s standing as a secure and compliant financial institution.
