Pakistan’s first-ever National Space Policy was approved by the federal cabinet, the caretaker government declared on Wednesday.
Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, announced three “landmark decisions” for the IT and telecom industry that the federal cabinet had approved in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
According to him, private sector businesses will be able to “offer affordable internet services in Pakistan while enabling increased investment in our national space program” thanks to the National Space Programme.
He went on to say that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for cybercrimes would be replaced by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
He declared, “This new agency will have the necessary knowledge, resources, and funding to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cyber crimes in Pakistan.”
Saif went on to say that in order to “decide court cases and disputes in the telecom sector without delay—paving the way for spectrum availability for 5G” a “specialized telecom tribunal” would be established.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, who spoke with Saif earlier in the day at a press conference in Islamabad, announced that the country’s first space policy had been approved by the caretaker federal cabinet. Under this policy, foreign companies would be permitted to offer communication services through low-orbit communication satellites.
He declared that Pakistan would create a space regulatory framework in accordance with international norms as part of this policy. Additionally, he said, it would make it possible to finance research and development for the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
According to Solangi, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the acting prime minister, had recognized the relevant ministries’ efforts in formulating the nation’s initial space policy. He claimed that over the course of three months, all stakeholders were consulted in the preparation of the policy.
In the meantime, Saif stated to the media that “as important as the telecom policy” was the space policy.
“The Telecom Act was introduced to reform this sector and permission was given for private companies to offer telecom services. Pakistan used to have PTCL landlines,” he stated.
You all have SIM cards and phones in your hands for this reason. Now, two MNAs are not required to assist with a landline,” he joked.
Satellites used to be geostationary, orbiting high above the planet. Although they are effective at transmitting TV signals, the latency makes communication difficult,” he stated.
Comparatively closer low-orbit satellites might be able to offer communication and internet services, according to Saif. He asserted that there had been substantial advancements in this field by the private sector.
“Therefore, satellite technology now makes it feasible for Pakistan to offer communication services, and the private sector possesses this equipment,” said the speaker.
He claims that the cabinet approved the first space policy, allowing the private sector to offer these services in Pakistan.
“A large number of businesses are providing this. Numerous companies provide these services, including Starlink, Leo, and OneWeb,” he stated.
“The policy that we developed is well-rounded. It indicates that satellite imaging and communication will be provided by government organizations Suparco and Paksat. Although low-orbit technology in the private sector will benefit private customers, government institutions will still use their services, he said.
The “logical step,” according to him, would be for private businesses to begin providing these services in the upcoming month or two after the policy was approved.
According to the minister, Suparco may be able to use some of the money it receives from the private sector when drafting the policy.