The Federal Government constituted the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) to regulate the space sector in Pakistan. PSARB was established in May 2024 and its Secretariat was operationalized in July 2024. In order to effectively play its regulatory role, PSARB initiated the development of a robust, equitable and transparent space regulatory framework for Pakistan benchmarked against the best international practices through the support of an internationally renowned consultant.

The regulatory framework development is necessary since Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Global Broadband mega-constellation satellite systems (internationally known as Non-Geostationary Earth Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Systems) is relatively a new phenomenon compared to the decades old traditional Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite networks. The situation demands provision of a level playing field to all upcoming LEO operators such as Starlink, OneWeb, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), etc while ensuring a competitive environment for the already operating GEO satellite networks in line with the recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

OneWeb, SSST and Sateliot (a Narrowband 5G Internet of Things (IoT) satellite constellation) approached PSARB for registration and they were advised to initiate their registration process with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in order to subsequently register with PSARB. These operators have yet to get back to PSARB for registration.

Starlink had already registered with SECP so PSARB initiated active engagement directly with SpaceX Headquarters in USA (the parent company of Starlink) when it was approached by Starlink Pakistan. In order to process Starlink’s registration, PSARB developed NGSO System registration application requirements in-house and shared the same with SpaceX. The application of SpaceX was evaluated by PSARB and deliberations between the two sides have continued unabated ever since.

PSARB is engaged with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for alignment of the regulatory processes for NGSO Systems. PSARB is also engaged with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) for national security clearance compliance of NGSO Systems.

The space sector regulations in Pakistan spearheaded by PSARB will ensure compliance by all types of satellites operators. Accordingly, PSARB has already reached out to all GEO and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite operators notifying them the regulatory requirement of their registration with PSARB subsequent to their registration with SECP and has received positive response.

PSARB has already kickstarted the regulatory process in Pakistan and has full support of the Federal Government for ensuring that the regulatory framework being developed serves the best national interest.