The Center for Arms Control and Disarmament (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a seminar on “Pakistan’s Space Policy: Harnessing Space Potential” on 29 February 2024. the keynote address was delivered by the former Chairman of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Prominent debaters from academia and think tanks presented their views. The seminar provided valuable insights into Pakistan’s National Space Policy (NSP) and its space potential to accelerate socio-economic development.
The key challenges and opportunities available to Pakistan were discussed. Major General (R) Amer Nadeem in his keynote address emphasized the importance of international cooperation and highlighted its role in reducing cost and time in space missions. He advocated strategic partnerships to leverage expertise and resources from other countries, enabling Pakistan to develop its space capabilities more effectively. Looking ahead, he outlined the National Space Program (NSP) 2047 and highlighted its pragmatic approach tailored to Pakistan’s current technological situation.
He emphasized the need for strict prioritization of technologies that are in line with the country’s immediate needs and capabilities. He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s space programme, citing the government’s unwavering commitment and determination as key drivers of progress. He emphasized the need to emphasize the regulatory sector and public-private partnerships. He suggested that joining regional platforms will also help Pakistan develop its space programme. He emphasized that with continued support and ownership, Pakistan is poised to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.
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In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s first-ever Space Policy and emphasized that it provides a comprehensive framework for the future development of the space sector in line with emerging global trends and caters to Pakistan’s key national needs. Considering the crucial role of space technology in modern societies, he emphasized the need for Pakistan to harness the potential of space technology for socio-economic development and security. He pointed out that Pakistan’s foray into space goes beyond satellite launches and envisions a future where space technology drives progress, innovation and global competitiveness.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressed optimism about the NSP, envisioning it to be a catalyst for advanced technology-driven solutions to development challenges. He highlighted the policy’s role in facilitating the effective use of space technology and applications to advance national goals, while underlining the government’s commitment to self-sufficiency in space science and technology. Earlier, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director of ACDC, in his opening remarks said that today the world has entered a new or second space age and major powers are engaged in space race.
They are investing enormous resources in developing and upgrading their dual-use space programs. Pakistan is aware of this development and attaches great importance to research and development work in space science, technology and its applications for peaceful purposes and socio-economic upliftment of the country. He emphasized that Pakistan’s NSP revolves around the vision of “using space science and technology to improve the quality of life of the people of Pakistan while protecting national interests and sovereignty”.
Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow, ACDC, ISSI, gave an overview of Pakistan’s space program. In her presentation, she emphasized that the NSP is a step in the right direction and aims to address the many challenges facing the space program. The commitment of the government and all relevant stakeholders is essential, public-private partnerships are important for revitalizing the country’s space program. She emphasized that an effective space program is not an option, but a necessity – it is the engine of economic growth and socio-economic development today.
Dr. Ali Sarosh, Associate Professor, Air University Islamabad, speaking on “Space Technology for Sustainable Development in Pakistan”, highlighted the key role of space technology in promoting sustainable development and outlined key considerations for NSP to effectively contribute to this goal. He highlighted the global consensus on the importance of space technologies for sustainable development and underlined the commitments made by the international community in this regard. He stressed the need for the NSP to align with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, stressing that the policy must address all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and use technology to achieve them.
He identified four basic aspects that any space policy must include: a strategic vision, a definition of strategic constraints, realistic and well-defined goals, and an evolutionary mechanism. Dr. Adil Sultan, Dean FASS, Air University Islamabad, delivered his remarks on “Pakistan’s Space Policy: The Way Forward” and emphasized the need for Pakistan to reorient its space policy and advocated a strategic shift from Geopolitics to Astropolitics.
He emphasized the critical importance of clarity and a well-defined plan for achieving space goals. He stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to prioritize commercial space technology, reduce dependence on foreign assistance in launching satellites and promote its own capabilities. He called for the creation of robust think tanks and academic institutions dedicated to space technology. In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI, emphasized that space technology is a new frontier that is vital for socio-economic development.
He lauded Pakistan’s journey into space, characterized by determination, creativity and unwavering determination to tap into the vast potential beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. He emphasized that investing in research and development, building capacity and educating the next generation of scientists and engineers are essential elements to stay at the forefront of space exploration. The seminar was attended by prominent academics, experts in the field, scientists, representatives of think tanks, practitioners and members of the diplomatic corps.
