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Pakistan is taking a decisive step toward establishing itself as a competitive player in the global space economy. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has completed the initial draft of the country’s first-ever Space Regulatory Framework, a comprehensive document designed to bring clarity and structure to the regulation of space activities within the nation. The draft is currently being circulated among key stakeholders for review and feedback before it is submitted for formal approval by the federal government.
Stakeholder Consultation Underway
According to sources, the draft framework has been shared with several important government and regulatory bodies, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). These organizations have been asked to provide detailed input to ensure the framework is practical, inclusive, and capable of addressing both current and future challenges in space governance.
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Once all feedback is received and incorporated, the final version of the regulatory framework will be sent to the federal government for official ratification. This consultative approach aims to build consensus and ensure seamless implementation across various sectors.
Key Components of the Regulatory Framework
The draft regulatory framework covers a wide range of areas critical to the development and regulation of space-based services. These include:
- Satellite Communications: Licensing and operational guidelines for domestic and foreign satellite service providers.
- Earth Observation: Rules governing the capture and use of Earth imagery for commercial and governmental purposes.
- Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT): Standards for location-based services and satellite navigation systems.
- Space Transportation: Safety and compliance regulations for launch services and related infrastructure.
Additionally, the framework outlines essential mechanisms such as:
- A transparent licensing system for satellite and space-related services.
- Risk and safety management protocols for launch and in-orbit operations.
- Orbital slot and frequency coordination in line with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rules.
- Mandatory registration of space objects.
- Cybersecurity and data protection standards for space-based systems.
- Obligations related to international space treaties and legal norms.
- Guidelines for commercial transparency and competitive fairness.
Aligned with International Best Practices
The framework is being developed in collaboration with Access Partnership, a global consultancy firm specializing in digital and space policy. PSARB signed a formal agreement with the company on March 3, 2025, to assist in crafting a forward-looking regulatory roadmap.
According to insiders, the framework closely follows international norms and best practices, aiming to provide legal clarity while promoting innovation, competition, and consumer protection in Pakistan’s space sector. The goal is to create a level playing field for both domestic and international companies looking to operate in the country.
Support from Recent Space Policy Milestones
This regulatory push builds on two significant developments in Pakistan’s space sector:
- The National Space Policy, approved in December 2023, which laid the foundation for structured space governance.
- The Space Activities Rules, which came into force in February 2024, detailing compliance requirements for space missions and services.
With these milestones in place, PSARB—operating under the National Command Authority (NCA)—has emerged as the key regulatory body overseeing all space-related matters in Pakistan.
As per existing guidelines, any satellite service provider must first obtain registration from PSARB before it can be licensed by PTA.
Global Interest in Pakistan’s Space Market
The introduction of a structured regulatory framework has already drawn attention from global players interested in entering Pakistan’s space and satellite internet markets.
Notable companies showing interest include:
- Starlink (SpaceX) – Received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from PSARB in March 2025, but will need to reapply under the new rules.
- OneWeb (UK) – Aims to provide LEO-based broadband services in Pakistan.
- Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (China) – Exploring opportunities to expand services to South Asia.
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper – Another major LEO satellite operator evaluating entry into Pakistan.
In addition, Pakistan’s own PakSat High-Throughput Satellite (HTS), developed by SUPARCO, is positioned to serve as a national alternative to foreign service providers.
Towards a New Era of Space Governance
The finalization of the Space Regulatory Framework marks a historic milestone for Pakistan’s space ambitions. By establishing clear policies, licensing mechanisms, and international alignment, Pakistan is not only securing its space assets but also inviting investment, innovation, and global collaboration.
With increasing interest from foreign companies and a growing domestic satellite infrastructure, Pakistan is poised to emerge as a key space player in South Asia in the coming years.
