Unregulated Satellites Threaten Security and Sovereignty: Pakistan

Unregulated satellites threaten security and sovereignty, Pakistan warned at the United Nations on Wednesday. The country raised serious concerns about the growing risks in low Earth orbit.

Pakistan said the unregulated spread of satellites in low Earth orbit is creating digital inequality and spreading misinformation. It is also increasing militarization, threatening national sovereignty, and adding dangerous space debris.

Speaking at a 15-member UN Security Council meeting, Pakistan’s Mission Consular and Political Coordinator, Gul Qaiser Sarwarani, urged legally binding international agreements. He stressed the need for rule of law and accountability in space, especially in low Earth orbit.

He said uncontrolled commercial activities are concentrating orbital slots, spectrum access, space awareness tools, and economic benefits in the hands of a few countries and companies. As a result, many nations are losing fair access.

He warned that without reforms, developing and emerging space countries will remain marginalized in the long run. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that space, including low Earth orbit, is the shared heritage of all humanity. No country or organization can claim monopoly over it.

He added that technical or commercial dominance must not turn into regulatory control or exclusive access. He said the rapid growth of mega-constellations is causing congestion, spectrum competition, and higher risks of space debris. These issues threaten the sustainable use of low Earth orbit.

The Pakistani delegate also expressed concern over the increasing military and intelligence use of commercial satellite systems. He said this trend is blurring the line between civilian and military space, which raises the risk of misunderstanding and conflict.

He clarified that under international law, states remain responsible for all space activities. This responsibility applies even when private companies carry out these activities.

He said risks linked to low Earth orbit cannot be separated from broader space security issues. These include an arms race in space, anti-satellite weapons, and the integration of space assets into nuclear, cyber, and conventional military strategies. All of this is harming global strategic stability.

He further warned that using satellite systems to spread misinformation, create social unrest, or interfere in internal affairs violates sovereignty and non-interference principles. He added that the current international framework is not strong enough to address these challenges.

Pakistan said it supports voluntary guidelines and transparency measures. However, it stressed that these cannot replace comprehensive and legally binding international treaties. It also said new space challenges must not widen the technical and regulatory gap between developed and developing countries.

In conclusion, Pakistan reiterated that unregulated satellites threaten security and sovereignty and called for urgent global action to ensure fair, peaceful, and sustainable use of low Earth orbit.