“We are waiting for approval from the government,” Musk stated in response to a tweet on X on January 4, 2025. This comes shortly after Richard Grenell, the US President-elect Donald Trump’s chosen special envoy, encouraged Musk to include Pakistan in the list of countries that should benefit from Starlink.
On the same day, Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, confirmed that Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. had applied for a license. However, she mentioned that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is only reviewing applications from companies registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Despite some behind-the-scenes issues between local authorities and Musk’s satellite internet company, this remains the primary obstacle.
Latest Updates on Starlink’s Potential Launch in Pakistan
According to ProPakistani, Starlink and the federal government are in the early stages of talks regarding the company’s license to operate in Pakistan. PTA officials confirmed that Starlink’s application is currently under initial review.
The PTA is examining key technical requirements, including bandwidth, uplinking, and gateway infrastructure, as part of the standard process for licensing foreign satellite service providers. Additionally, the National Space Agency (SUPARCO) is reviewing Starlink’s application within the framework of the National Space Policy.
Sources indicate that Starlink must resolve several technical concerns before moving forward with the licensing process. Once SUPARCO grants its approval, the PTA will need to provide regulatory clearance before Starlink can begin offering its services in Pakistan.
Pakistan has experienced ongoing internet outages over the past year, with the government citing issues like submarine cable faults and national security concerns as the primary causes. The country’s internet disruptions have notably impacted social media platforms, with X (formerly known as Twitter) facing a ban since February 17, 2024.
