Former Pak Datacom CEO Brigadier (retired) Syed Zulfiqar Ali has raised concerns over the shifting of National Bank of Pakistan satellite connectivity network from the indigenous PakSat based infrastructure to Yahsat, a United Arab Emirates based satellite operator. According to a letter sent to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, the change involving connectivity for more than 400 NBP branches could create security concerns due to the location of the satellite and related infrastructure outside Pakistan. ProPakistani reported that Pak Datacom had provided satellite based backup connectivity services to more than 400 NBP branches for the past five years. The previous network arrangement was based on PakSat and operated through VSAT hubs located in Karachi and Islamabad. According to the letter, this setup provided a dedicated and autonomous connectivity network for NBP branches before the transition to Yahsat infrastructure.
The complainant stated that the satellite and hub being used under the new arrangement are both located in the UAE, raising questions regarding the protection and handling of sensitive government related data. The letter highlighted that NBP manages government accounts, including defence related accounts, and argued that moving the bank satellite backup network to an overseas satellite and hub could introduce potential security challenges. The former CEO noted that establishing a Virtual Private Network over Yahsat connectivity may not completely remove the possible security risks associated with the arrangement. The letter recommended that NBP satellite connectivity should be shifted back to a dedicated indigenous network based on PakSat, with operational hubs established in Karachi and Islamabad to maintain greater control over critical connectivity infrastructure.
Similar recommendations were also made for the satellite networks of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited and Accountant General Pakistan Revenues. The letter proposed developing dedicated domestic satellite infrastructure for all three organizations to improve security and reduce dependence on foreign satellite systems for critical operations. The document further emphasized that an indigenous satellite network could provide a safer option considering the prevailing regional environment and the increasing importance of protecting sensitive digital infrastructure. The complainant requested relevant authorities to review the matter and consider appropriate measures in response to the concerns raised regarding the satellite connectivity transition.
The letter also highlighted details regarding Pak Datacom ownership and institutional structure. According to the document, Pak Datacom is controlled through Telecom Foundation, which owns 55 percent of the company shares, while the remaining 45 percent are held by the general public. It further stated that Telecom Foundation operates under the direct control of Ministry of IT and Telecommunications. The former Pak Datacom CEO called for an assessment of the situation by concerned authorities, particularly considering the role of satellite connectivity in supporting banking and government related operations. The concerns raised focus on ensuring that critical infrastructure supporting financial institutions remains secure, controlled, and aligned with national data protection priorities.
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