Ministry orders company to halt further Yahsat installations

Islamabad: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has ordered Pak Datacom to stop further installations of Yahsat services, adding a new twist to questions over the company’s reported shift of satellite connectivity from Pakistan’s PakSat system to Yahsat.

The order came after a report published on August 12 in Daily Minute Mirror raised questions about regulatory approvals, satellite licensing and the security of services used by government linked organisations.

Following the report, a meeting was held at the ministry and Pak Datacom was directed to halt further installations related to the Yahsat service, while ensuring that existing services were not interrupted,

However, the company was told not to disturb services that are already operating. Ali Saleem confirmed that new installations had been stopped following the ministry meeting. The decision means the ministry action is focused on stopping further expansion of the Yahsat arrangement

The development has brought fresh attention to the regulatory questions surrounding the reported move from the existing PakSat arrangement to Yahsat’s YahClick service.

The controversy had earlier been raised by retired Brigadier Syed Zulfiqar Ali, who described himself as a former chief executive and shareholder of Pak Datacom and approached relevant authorities seeking examination of the reported satellite shift.

During a discussion with this reporter, Ali Saleem gave a verbal explanation of the regulatory arrangement behind the Yahsat service. However, no documentary evidence confirming the claimed approvals or authorisations was provided during the interaction.

The licensing question has also become a central part of the controversy.

When asked whether Yahsat itself held a direct Pakistan Telecommunication Authority licence for the services being used in Pakistan, Ali Saleem explained that Pak Datacom was not directly licensed by the PTA for Yahsat. He also stated that Yahsat was not licensed directly by the PTA.

According to his explanation, the arrangement involves REDtone, which holds the relevant PTA authorisation and has a contract connected with Yahsat services in Pakistan.

This raises an important regulatory question because the issue is not only whether a foreign satellite operator can provide services in Pakistan. It also concerns which Pakistani company is providing or facilitating the service and whether the required permissions cover the specific services being delivered.

Pak Datacom has therefore maintained verbally that the required PTA authorisation is held by REDtone and that REDtone is authorised to use Yahsat services in Pakistan. However, documentary evidence of the relevant licence, No Objection Certificate or contractual authorisation was not provided to this reporter during the discussion.

The ministry has also indicated movement towards a stronger regulatory framework for satellite services. Officials said new satellite regulations are being implemented or finalised to create a clearer system for satellite service providers and related activities.

Questions have also been raised about the security of data transmitted through the YahClick network, particularly where satellite ground stations or gateways connected with the service could be located outside Pakistan.

Pak Datacom officials have defended the security of the network and said the system is not connected to the public internet.

According to company officials, the data transmitted through the system is encrypted and encryption devices and firewalls have been installed at the relevant sites. They also said National Bank maintains its own security controls and that disaster recovery facilities are available at multiple locations.

A technical official explained that the system operates on a non internet profile and has no direct link with the internet. The official said the data is encrypted and travels through the system like a pipeline.

The official also said encryption and firewalls are among the security measures being used. According to the explanation, the firewall is deployed in Pakistan and operated by the bank.

The company’s explanation provides its position on the security arrangements, but questions remain about the complete security structure, particularly for services involving sensitive government and strategic organisations.

The company has not provided documentary material to this reporter establishing the full details of the claimed regulatory approvals, licences or security clearances.

The ministry’s decision to stop further Yahsat installations has therefore added pressure for clear answers on the legal, regulatory and security framework behind the satellite arrangement.