Jump to content

Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board
پاکستان اسپیس ایکٹیویٹیز ریگولیٹری بورڈ
Agency overview
FormedFebruary 2, 2024
TypeSpace Regulatory Authority
JurisdictionGovernment of Pakistan
HeadquartersIslamabad, Pakistan
EmployeesClassified
Agency executive
  • Amer Sarfaraz Ahmed[1], Chairman, PSARB
Parent departmentNational Command Authority
Parent agencySUPARCO
Key document
Websitepsarb.gov.pk

The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is a regulatory authority established under the National Command Authority (NCA) to regulate, authorize, supervise and monitor all space-related activities within the jurisdiction of Pakistan. It was formally constituted through the Pakistan Space Activities Rules, 2024, on February 1, 2024.[2][3]

Overview

[edit]

PSARB functions as the principal regulatory body overseeing outer space and upper atmosphere activities in Pakistan. It plays a central role in ensuring national security, technological advancement, and commercial space governance, and coordinates closely with the National Space Agency, SUPARCO.[4]

[edit]

The regulatory authority and powers of PSARB derive from:

  • The National Command Authority Act, 2010 (Act V of 2010)
  • The Pakistan Space Activities Rules, 2024

Headquarters and Secretariat

[edit]

PSARB operates under the administrative framework of the National Command Authority. The secretariat of PSARB is located in SUPARCO, Pakistan's National Space Agency.[5]

Composition

[edit]

The board consists of a Chairman nominated by the National Command Authority and several ex-officio members including:

  • Officials from the National Space Agency SUPARCO
  • Secretaries of key ministries (IT & Telecom, Information & Broadcasting)
  • Intelligence representatives
  • Co-opted technical experts as needed

Functions and Responsibilities

[edit]

PSARB is tasked with:

  • Regulating all space and upper atmosphere activities
  • Authorizing satellite operations and services
  • Issuing licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
  • Facilitating public-private partnerships in space technology
  • Ensuring use of National Satellites or Registered Satellites
  • Publishing a registry of authorized space operators and satellites

National Space Policy Enforcement

[edit]

Key aspects enforced by PSARB include:

  • First Right of Refusal (FROR): Mandating government entities to prioritize use of national satellites.
  • Remote Sensing Regulation: Controlling the acquisition, sale, and dissemination of satellite imagery.
  • Satellite Communication Oversight: Coordinating with PEMRA and PTA for broadcast and telecom satellite services.
  • Foreign Satellite Regulation: Enforcing registration, market reciprocity, and presence requirements.

Licensing and Regulatory Developments

[edit]
[edit]
  • On January 6, 2025: Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, is officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the name "Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Limited."[6]
  • On March 21, 2025, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) granted provisional registration to Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX.[7][8]
  • On April 29, 2025: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decides not to issue a full operating license to Starlink based solely on its temporary registration. The PTA emphasizes that a full license will only be granted once Starlink completes the permanent registration process with PSARB and fulfills all necessary regulatory and technical requirements.[9][10]

See also

[edit]
  • SUPARCO – National Space Agency of Pakistan

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja Chairs Meeting on Starlink and LEO Satellite Licensing". Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
  2. ^ Board (PSARB), Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory. "Space Regulatory Authority in Pakistan". psarb.gov.pk. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  3. ^ Amin, Tahir (2024-04-08). "'National Space Activities Rules 2024' notified". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  4. ^ Staff, ProPK (2024-04-08). "Govt Notifies National Space Activities Rules 2024". ProPakistani. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  5. ^ "Govt Notifies National Space Activities Rules 2024". ProPakistani. 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  6. ^ "Musk's Starlink registered in Pakistan; LEO satellite licensing advancing". www.samaa.tv. 2025-04-30. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  7. ^ PSARB. "Provisional Registration for Starlink". psarb.gov.pk. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  8. ^ "Musk's Starlink gets licence to operate in Pakistan". DAWN.COM. 2025-03-22. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  9. ^ "PTA decides not to issue license to Starlink for now". Pakistan Observer. 2025-04-29. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  10. ^ "Starlink's Pakistan internet service faces fresh licensing delays". Profit by Pakistan Today. 2025-04-29. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pakistan_Space_Activities_Regulatory_Board&oldid=1288526534"