ISLAMABAD:

Pak Datacom Limited (PDL) has rejected concerns over its use of YahClick satellite services in Pakistan, saying the decision followed the unavailability of required capacity on Pakistan’s PAKSAT-MM1 satellite and was made in accordance with applicable regulations.

The clarification comes days after reports raised questions over the transfer of satellite connectivity serving major institutions, including National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches, from PAKSAT-based infrastructure to UAE-based Yahsat services. Those reports had cited concerns raised by former Pak Datacom CEO Brigadier (retd) Syed Zulfiqar Ali over security, regulatory compliance and reliance on foreign satellite infrastructure.

Pak Datacom Explains Why It Chose YahClick

In a statement dated August 19, Pak Datacom said PAKSAT-1R was approaching the end of its operational life in 2026. The company initially explored migrating its services to PAKSAT-MM1 through PakSat International.

However, Pak Datacom said the required standard Ku-band capacity was not available on PAKSAT-MM1. It also said available Ka-band capacity had already been committed to Kacific, leaving the company without the capacity needed for its operations.

The company said an alternative low-Ku-band option would have required replacing terminal equipment at roughly 500 sites, creating significant costs and procurement delays.

Against that backdrop, Pak Datacom said YahClick offered suitable coverage and high-throughput satellite capacity at a substantially lower migration cost.

Company Rejects National Security Concerns

Pak Datacom also rejected suggestions that the move compromised national security.

The company said SRO 60(I)/2024 allows an alternative foreign satellite operator to be used for up to five years when the required national satellite capacity is unavailable.

PDL further said YahClick is authorised by the relevant Pakistani regulatory authorities and has been operating in the country since 2015. It said customer communications are protected through security measures including VPN tunnels.

Pakistan Digital Post’s Earlier Report Gets New Context

The latest clarification also provides confirmation of the core development reported by Pakistan Digital Post several weeks ago: Pak Datacom had shifted satellite connectivity from Pakistan’s PAKSAT infrastructure to Yahsat/YahClick services.

At the time, the move was reported in the context of questions surrounding the satellite connectivity of NBP and other institutions. Subsequent reports and now Pak Datacom’s own statement have confirmed that YahClick was indeed being used as an alternative satellite service, although the company has strongly disputed the security and regulatory concerns raised about the transition.

This means the original report’s central development has been substantiated, while Pak Datacom’s response now adds important context about why the switch was made and the regulatory basis it says supports the decision.

A Developing Satellite Connectivity Debate

The controversy highlights a broader issue for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure: how critical institutions can maintain reliable satellite connectivity when domestic satellite capacity is limited.

Pak Datacom’s clarification has addressed the company’s rationale and regulatory position, while the security concerns raised by its former chief executive remain part of the wider public debate.

For Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy, the episode underscores the importance of balancing satellite capacity, national security, regulatory compliance and uninterrupted connectivity.