The Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed on Friday that Pakistan is in ongoing negotiations with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, to bring satellite-based internet services to the country. The announcement comes amidst significant disruptions to internet services and an ongoing ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Khawaja addressed the media and parliamentarians during a contentious session, highlighting Pakistan’s struggles with internet infrastructure and connectivity.
Shaza Khawaja acknowledged the recent challenges facing Pakistan’s internet services, which have been exacerbated by a ban on X and frequent disruptions in internet connectivity. The ban, which was imposed by the government earlier this year, has led to widespread public discontent, especially within the tech and business communities. Khawaja, however, downplayed the impact of the ban, stating that less than two percent of the population was directly affected by it.
“The government is committed to improving internet services across the country despite the recent disruptions.”
She also emphasized that the government’s surveillance measures, which include monitoring internet traffic, were essential for national security, especially following recent terrorist attacks in the region.
“We are prioritizing national security, and these measures are necessary in the current climate.”
Her comments come in response to mounting criticisms from civil rights activists, who have raised concerns about the government’s growing control over internet usage and online freedoms.
The discussions with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Musk’s company SpaceX, are being closely watched as part of the government’s broader efforts to address Pakistan’s growing connectivity issues. Starlink offers internet access via satellite, which could be a game-changer for the country, especially in rural and underserved regions where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. However, Starlink’s previous attempts to enter the Pakistani market have faced significant regulatory challenges, particularly concerns about potential interference with Pakistan’s geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1.
Despite these challenges, Khawaja remained optimistic about the ongoing negotiations. She described the talks as an important step toward ensuring more reliable internet access for Pakistan’s population. If successful, the entry of Starlink could potentially bypass some of the physical infrastructure limitations that have plagued Pakistan’s internet services for years.
Simultaneously, PTA released a report on Friday that highlighted widespread disruptions in internet services across major networks such as Jazz and Telenor. Both operators reported issues with accessing X, which has been restricted since the government’s decision earlier in the year. PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, in a separate statement, distanced the agency from concerns about infrastructure limitations, explaining that no new submarine cables had been added to Pakistan’s internet infrastructure in the last decade. He pointed out that the government, not the PTA, is responsible for overseeing and developing the country’s submarine cable networks.
This statement from PTA Chairman underlines the systemic issues that Pakistan faces in terms of internet infrastructure development. The lack of new investments in submarine cable systems has left the country reliant on outdated infrastructure, which has contributed to slower internet speeds and frequent service disruptions. Experts have long argued that the country’s internet infrastructure is in dire need of modernization to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet.
Pakistan’s internet accessibility has faced increased scrutiny since early 2024, when the government imposed the ban on X and other social media platforms, citing national security concerns. The restrictions have sparked protests and drawn criticism from business leaders and civil rights organizations, who argue that the limitations on social media access hurt Pakistan’s economy and hinder free expression. The economic implications of the internet ban have been particularly pronounced for Pakistan’s tech industry, which relies heavily on social media platforms for marketing, networking, and global visibility.
Negotiations with Starlink signal a potential turning point for Pakistan’s internet landscape. However, the discussions are still in the early stages, and regulatory hurdles remain. As Pakistan looks to improve its internet infrastructure and address connectivity challenges, much will depend on the resolution of the regulatory issues surrounding Starlink’s entry into the market and the government’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its digital infrastructure. With national security concerns and economic growth on the line, the future of Pakistan’s internet services and digital freedoms remains uncertain.
