In a major step toward modernizing its space governance, Pakistan has finalized the initial draft of its first-ever Space Regulatory Framework, officials confirmed. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has shared the draft with key government bodies and regulators for review and feedback before it is officially adopted.
The draft framework has been sent to institutions such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). These organizations, along with other stakeholders, have been asked to provide their input before the framework is finalized.
According to inside sources, the proposed framework lays out detailed policies for various space domains, including:
Satellite Communications
Earth Observation
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
Space Transportation
The framework aligns with international best practices and aims to create a transparent, structured, and competitive space environment in Pakistan. Key features include:
A clear licensing system for space-based services
Protocols for risk and safety management
Coordination of satellite frequencies and orbital slots
Registration of space objects
Cybersecurity and data protection policies
Compliance with international space law
To support this ambitious regulatory development, PSARB signed an agreement with global consultancy Access Partnership on March 3, 2025. The consultancy is assisting Pakistan in crafting a consumer-centric and investment-friendly regulatory roadmap.
This effort follows earlier achievements such as the approval of Pakistan’s National Space Policy in December 2023, and the implementation of the Space Activities Rules in February 2024.
The PSARB, operating under the National Command Authority (NCA), oversees all space-related operations in Pakistan. Under current law, all satellite service providers—local or foreign—must register with PSARB before they can apply for licenses from PTA.
Interest in Pakistan’s space and satellite sector has grown significantly. Companies like Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are actively exploring entry into the market. Starlink received a temporary NOC from PSARB in March 2025, but must now reapply under the new framework.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s own PakSat High-Throughput Satellite (HTS), developed by SUPARCO, offers a domestic alternative to international Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services.
