Summary：Pakistan's Space Tech Push Vital for National Security, Experts Warn **Introduction** Pakistan’s r

Pakistan's Space Tech Push Vital for National Security, Experts Warn

**Introduction**
Pakistan’s renewed focus on space technology is drawing sharp attention from defence analysts who warn that the country’s security posture increasingly depends on its ability to operate independently in orbit. Recent statements from senior military officials and academic experts highlight a growing consensus: without a robust indigenous satellite capability, Pakistan risks falling behind regional rivals in surveillance, communications, and strategic deterrence.

**Key Developments**
Over the past 18 months, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has accelerated several projects that signal a shift from reliance on foreign-built platforms. The launch of the PakTES‑1A Earth‑observation satellite in early 2024 marked the first domestically designed and assembled spacecraft to reach low‑Earth orbit. Simultaneously, work on the communication satellite PakSat‑MM1 progressed through final testing phases, aiming to provide secure broadband links for military units stationed along the western frontier. In parallel, the government approved a new budget line allocating PKR 25 billion over five years for space‑based research, a figure that represents a 40 % increase compared with the previous planning period.

**Industry Analysis**
Defence experts argue that space assets are no longer luxury tools but essential components of modern warfare. Satellite imagery enables real‑time monitoring of troop movements along the Line of Control, while encrypted communication links reduce vulnerability to electronic interception. According to a recent paper published by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, nations that control their own orbital infrastructure can reduce dependence on allied powers during crises, thereby preserving strategic autonomy. The analysis also notes that Pakistan’s current launch capacity remains limited; the country still depends on foreign launch vehicles for heavy payloads. Experts caution that without investment in domestic launch capabilities—such as the development of a solid‑fuelled rocket programme—Pakistan may face bottlenecks when scaling up constellation