Federal cabinet okays country’s first-ever ‘National Space Policy’

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi said on Wednesday that the federal cabinet had given a green signal to the country’s first-ever space policy, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

Briefing the media about the cabinet’s meeting held today, he said, “The policy will not only attract foreign investment to the country but will also save the money we give to international firms for availing space-related facilities.”

The minister went on to say that under the policy, not only Space Regulatory Regime, modelled on modern lines, will be set up in the country but funds will also be allocated for research and the development of SUPARCO.  

He said that the caretaker prime minister had praised the Ministry of Information Technology, Telecom, SUPARCO, Ministry of Defence and allied departments for their efforts in the formulation of the policy.

Informing that the federal cabinet had also approved changes to the rules and regulations concerning those Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan who had to be repatriated to another country and those who did not have any legal proof of their entry in the country, Solangi said that the fine to be slapped on those staying in the country beyond the deadline had been reduced from $800 to $400.

The minister further said that apart from that the deadline for the stay of these Afghans in the country had been extended from December 31, 2023 to February 29, 2024.

The purpose of these steps, he said, was to force these Afghans to either obtain legal documents or settle their matters with other countries for their repatriation.