Pak Datacom Clarifies Use of YahClick Satellite Services in Pakistan

Pak Datacom Limited (PDL) has rejected recent allegations surrounding its use of YahClick satellite services, saying the company selected the service after facing availability and cost challenges during the planned migration from PAKSAT-1R.

In a statement dated August 19, 2026, Pak Datacom said it wanted to clarify its position following media reports and avoid what it described as misunderstanding or speculation about the matter.

Pak Datacom Clarifies Use of YahClick Satellite Services in Pakistan

PAKSAT-1R Reaching End of Life

According to Pak Datacom, PAKSAT-1R satellite services are reaching their end of life in 2026. Under the applicable regulations, including SRO 60(I)/2024, companies are required to follow the First Right of Refusal (FROR) framework when national satellite capacity is available.

The rules also allow services from another satellite operator to be used when the required capacity is not available on a national satellite. Such capacity can be used for up to five years or until the required capacity becomes available on a national satellite, whichever comes first.

Pak Datacom said it initially engaged PakSat International to explore migration to PAKSAT-MM1. However, the company later considered alternative options because the required capacity was not available.

Capacity Availability Was a Major Issue

Pak Datacom said PakSat had confirmed that the required standard Ku-band capacity was not available on PAKSAT-MM1.

The company also explored Ka-band capacity as another option. However, it said the available Ka-band capacity on PAKSAT-MM1 had already been committed to Cacific, a Singapore-based satellite operator.

As a result, Pak Datacom said neither the required Ku-band nor Ka-band capacity could be made available to it through PakSat.

Cost Also Influenced the Decision

The company said cost was another important factor in selecting an alternative satellite service.

According to Pak Datacom, the alternative low Ku-band option would have required the replacement of terminal equipment at around 500 sites. This would have involved significant capital investment as well as operational expenses running into millions of US dollars.

Pak Datacom said it initially explored the availability of the required equipment with PakSat. However, the specialized nature of low Ku-band equipment, limited availability in the local market and long procurement timelines created challenges for a timely deployment.

The company therefore examined other technically and commercially viable alternatives.

Pak Datacom said YahClick offered the most practical overall option because it provided suitable coverage and HTS capability while requiring a significantly lower migration cost.

Pak Datacom Says There Are No Security or Regulatory Concerns

The company also addressed concerns about the security and regulatory status of YahClick services.

The company said YahClick services have been operating in Pakistan since 2015 through authorized local operators and partners. It added that government, financial, defence and security organizations, as well as other strategic entities also used the services.

Pak Datacom said these customers use Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels along with appropriate security measures to protect communications and prevent unauthorized access.

The company further stated that YahClick has the required regulatory clearance and authorization to operate in Pakistan. It said the relevant government regulatory authority granted the authorization after reviewing the applicable regulatory requirements.

Company Links Allegations to Former CEO

Pak Datacom claimed that nothing has changed in YahClick’s operations since the service obtained the required Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) license.

The company said the current controversy was raised by a former PDL chief executive whose services had been discontinued by the company. Pak Datacom described the allegations being circulated against it as unfounded and defamatory.

The company added that it is initiating appropriate legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

See Also: Ex-Pak Datacom CEO Raises Security Concerns Over NBP Satellite Network Shift to UAE-Based Yahsat

Pak Datacom Calls for Both Sides to Be Heard

In its statement, Pak Datacom urged media organizations to seek the position of both parties before publishing or broadcasting reports.

The company said hearing both sides is an important part of responsible journalism. It should be followed to maintain the credibility and integrity of news reporting.

Pak Datacom’s response comes as the company faces questions over its decision to use YahClick services following the planned end-of-life of PAKSAT-1R. The company maintains that the decision was driven primarily by satellite capacity, equipment availability, deployment timelines and overall migration costs, rather than any security or regulatory concerns.