Pakistan Finalizes Draft of First-Ever Space Regulatory Framework
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has completed the initial draft of the country’s first-ever Space Regulatory Framework, marking a significant step forward in establishing a modern governance model for Pakistan’s space sector.
According to sources, the draft has been shared with key stakeholders, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and other relevant government bodies. These organizations have been asked to review and provide feedback before the framework is finalized.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Pakistan’s Space Industry
The draft framework outlines policies across critical space domains, such as:
-
Satellite Communications
-
Earth Observation
-
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
-
Space Transportation
Aligned with international best practices, the framework aims to position Pakistan as a serious contender in the growing global space economy.
Key Regulatory Features
The proposed framework includes:
-
A clear licensing system for space-based services
-
Risk and safety protocols
-
Satellite frequency and orbital slot coordination mechanisms
-
Space object registration
-
Cybersecurity and data protection provisions
-
Transparency requirements for commercial space activities
-
Compliance with international legal obligations
Strategic Partnerships and Roadmap
To develop this roadmap, PSARB signed an agreement with Access Partnership on March 3, 2025. The consultancy is assisting in shaping a competitive and consumer-focused space environment within Pakistan.
This initiative builds on recent milestones, including:
-
Approval of the National Space Policy in December 2023
-
Enforcement of the Space Activities Rules in February 2024
Once all feedback is collected, the final framework will be submitted to the federal government for formal approval.
Licensing and International Interest
PSARB operates under the National Command Authority (NCA) and is responsible for regulating all space-related activities in Pakistan. Under current rules, all satellite service providers—local or international—must first register with PSARB before obtaining licenses from PTA.
Notably, several global players have expressed interest in Pakistan’s emerging satellite internet market. These include:
-
Starlink (received a temporary NOC in March 2025, now required to reapply)
-
OneWeb (UK)
-
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) (China)
-
Amazon’s Project Kuiper
Additionally, Pakistan’s own PakSat High-Throughput Satellite (HTS), developed by SUPARCO, is being positioned as a domestic alternative to foreign Low Earth Orbit (LEO) providers.
