Pakistan Announces First-Ever National Space Policy

The Caretaker Federal Cabinet has granted approval for Pakistan’s inaugural National Space Policy, allowing international companies to offer communication and coordination services to consumers. Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, announced this decision during a media briefing in Islamabad on Wednesday, outlining the outcomes of the Federal Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

Minister of Information Technology, Dr. Umar Saif, and Minister for National Health Services, Dr. Nadeem Jan, were also in attendance.

Solangi explained that international companies would provide their services through Low-Orbit Communication satellites. He emphasized that this policy aims not only to attract foreign investment but also to save foreign exchange currently spent on the cost of these services.

The Minister highlighted that the policy will contribute to establishing a Space Regulatory regime in Pakistan in alignment with international standards. He further revealed that funds have been allocated for research and development in SUPARCO.

Regarding drug prices, Solangi informed the media that the Federal Cabinet has postponed the Economic Coordination Committee’s decision to increase medicine rates. The Cabinet directed a comprehensive review of the entire mechanism for price fixation and regulations to find a comprehensive and durable solution to this issue.

During the occasion, the Prime Minister expressed the government’s commitment to the progress and development of the pharmaceutical industry. He asserted that there would be no compromise on safeguarding people’s interests and ensuring the quality of drugs.

Solangi added that the Cabinet has given consent to refer Dow Dental College Karachi, Narowal Medical College, Liaquat Institute of Medical Health Sciences Thatta, and Khairpur Mirs Medical College to the Pakistan Medical and Dental College for preliminary approval.

Additionally, the Cabinet has reduced the processing fee for Afghan nationals requiring evacuation to a third country from 800 dollars to 400 dollars. The period of stay for these Afghan nationals in Pakistan has been extended from the 31st of this month to February 29 next year. After the due date, damages will be applied at the rate of 100 dollars per month, with a maximum limit of 800 dollars. These measures aim to encourage Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan to obtain legal documents or finalize evacuation agreements promptly.

The Information Minister also informed that the cabinet has allowed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Office and Gambia in the context of Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy.

Regarding the recent controversial verdict of the Indian Supreme Court on Kashmir, Solangi stated that the Cabinet rejected the decision as unlawful. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an international dispute pending on the UN Security Council’s agenda for the last seven decades. Solangi urged the international community to condemn India’s illegal actions suppressing the freedom of the people of Kashmir.

In response to a question, Dr. Umar Saif highlighted the installation of Fiber Optic from Kashghar to Karachi, improving internet bandwidth and digital connectivity. He also mentioned the establishment of specialized Telecom tribunal courts to handle cases related to the telecom industry.