Pak Datacom has shifted the satellite connectivity of more than 400 branches of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) from the indigenous PakSat-based network to Yahsat, a United Arab Emirates-based satellite operator, according to a letter sent to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications by former Pak Datacom CEO Brigadier (retired) Syed Zulfiqar Ali.
According to the letter, Pak Datacom had provided satellite-based backup connectivity to more than 400 NBP branches for the past five years. The network was previously based on PakSat and operated through VSAT hubs in Karachi and Islamabad.
ProPakistani reached out to concerned parties at the time of filing this report. Their responses will be added when received.
The complainant said the earlier arrangement provided a dedicated and autonomous network. However, the connectivity has now been shifted to Yahsat.
According to The letter, both the satellite and the hub used for the new arrangement are located in the UAE. This has raised questions about the security of sensitive government-related data.
What happened
It noted that NBP maintains administration accounts, including defence-related accounts. The letter argued that shifting the bank’s satellite backup network to an overseas satellite and hub could create security challenges.
According to The letter further, using a Virtual Private Network over Yahsat does not completely eliminate the potential security risk.
The complainant recommended shifting NBP’s satellite connectivity back to a dedicated indigenous network based on PakSat, with hubs established in Karachi and Islamabad.
Similar recommendations were made for the satellite networks of Oil and Gas Development Business Limited (OGDCL) and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR). The letter proposed establishing dedicated domestic satellite infrastructure for all three organisations.
The details
It also stressed that an indigenous satellite network would be a safer option in the prevailing regional environment.
The document also highlighted Pak Datacom’s ownership and institutional links. It stated that the company is controlled through Telecom Foundation. It holds 55 percent of its shares, while the remaining 45 percent are held by the general public.
According to the document, Telecom Foundation functions under the direct control of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications.
The former CEO urged the matter to be examined by the relevant authorities and for appropriate remedial measures to be considered in view of the security worries raised.
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