Pakistan Urges Legally Binding Rules for Outer Space at UN Security Council

Pakistan has called for legally binding international instruments to ensure accountability and the rule of law in outer space during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the risks of uncontrolled Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Pakistan highlighted concerns, including digital divides, disinformation, militarisation, threats to sovereignty, and the growing problem of space debris.

Addressing the 15-member Security Council in an Arria-Formula meeting, Pakistani delegate Gul Qaiser Sarwani said the unregulated expansion of commercial activities in LEO is leading to the concentration of orbital slots, spectrum, space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, and economic benefits among a limited number of actors.

Sarwani, who serves as counsellor and political coordinator at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations, warned that without corrective measures, developing and space-emerging countries face the risk of long-term marginalisation.

Arria-Formula meetings are informal sessions that allow Security Council members to hold frank and private discussions on relevant issues. The meeting was convened by the Russian Federation.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its position that outer space, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is the common heritage of all humankind and is not subject to national appropriation or de facto control.

In his remarks, Pakistani delegate Gul Qaiser Sarwani said technological or commercial dominance must not lead to exclusive access or regulatory advantage in outer space. He warned that the unregulated expansion of commercial activities in LEO is resulting in the concentration of orbital slots, spectrum, space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, and economic benefits among a limited number of actors.

Sarwani cautioned that without corrective measures, developing and space-emerging countries face the risk of long-term marginalisation.

He also highlighted that the rapid growth of mega-constellations has increased congestion, intensified competition for spectrum, and raised the risk of space debris. Sarwani warned that if left unchecked, these trends threaten the long-term sustainability of LEO and undermine equitable access for future entrants.