Senate panel flags security concerns over Pak Datacom’s data transfer to UAE satellite firm
The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication questioned Pak Datacom’s shift of government data to the UAE‑based YaSat satellite and sought details on an $800 million Etisalat claim linked to PTCL’s privatisation.
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Regulatory scrutiny of Pak Datacom’s data transfer may affect the broader IT/telecom environment but has no clear immediate impact on listed PSX companies.
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Sectors: Technology — Neutral · Watch. PSX tickers: SYS, TRG, AVN. Regulatory scrutiny of Pak Datacom’s data transfer may affect the broader IT/telecom environment but has no clear immediate impact on listed PSX companies.
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Open on Business Recorder## Senate committee raises security alarm
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication met on Monday and expressed unease about Pak Datacom’s recent migration of government data to YaSat, a satellite operator owned largely by the UAE government. Committee members asked whether proper authorisations were secured before the data was moved.
## Outstanding Etisalat claim
During the same session, the panel also inquired about an estimated US$800 million amount that Etisalat allegedly owes Pakistan in connection with the privatisation of PTCL. No further details were disclosed.
## Confidentiality and audit directives
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication’s secretary explained that a non‑disclosure agreement limits the sharing of certain information. The committee chair instructed the ministry to devise a method to provide the required data while respecting the confidentiality clauses of the UAE agreement.
## Rationale for the shift
Pak Datacom officials said the move was driven by limited national spectrum capacity. YaSat, they noted, is a UAE‑based satellite with majority government ownership.
## Security concerns and recommended actions
Senator Saadia Abbasi and other members warned that transferring sensitive government data to a foreign satellite could create security vulnerabilities. The former CEO of Pak Datacom echoed these worries and urged security agencies to examine the implications. The chairperson recommended an independent audit by the National Telecom and Information Security Board (NTISB) and stressed that clients be fully informed about the use of foreign satellite infrastructure.
## Related employment issues
The committee also touched on the termination of several Pak Datacom employees, urging a humanitarian review while noting that the matter is sub‑judice before the National Insurance Regulatory Commission (NIRC).