Senators have expressed serious concerns over the potential registration of Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, following the billionaire’s controversial remarks about Pakistan on his social media platform, X. During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan at Parliament House, lawmakers debated key issues, including Starlink’s operations, the Personal Data Protection Bill, and the overall performance of the telecom authority.
The controversy centers on Musk’s recent comments, which linked UK grooming gangs to Pakistanis, sparking outrage among committee members. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan voiced strong objections, questioning whether a company owned by someone propagating anti-Pakistan rhetoric should be allowed to operate in the country.
“Elon Musk was involved in a social media campaign against Pakistan,”
“Why should we allow such people to operate businesses here, who are talking against Pakistanis […] or he [Musk] should tender an apology.”
Senator Palwasha Khan also highlighted Musk’s claims as part of a larger disinformation campaign against Pakistan, amplified by foreign entities, including India.
PTA chairman briefed the committee on the regulatory process, explaining that the country’s National Space Policy, approved in 2023, had laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). He noted that all satellite services, including Starlink, must register with the board and secure licenses from the PTA before operating in Pakistan. The chairman revealed that Starlink applied for a license in February 2022, but the application is still pending security clearance from the Ministry of Interior.
Further concerns were raised by Senator Anusha Rahman, who questioned the potential risks associated with objectionable content and the regulatory challenges posed by satellite-based internet services.
“Now you are bringing a product […] a satellite, which is under the control of an aggressive person like Elon Musk. We would face many issues of objectionable content,”
she said, emphasizing that security was not the only concern. She pressed the PTA to clarify which body would monitor the service and ensure compliance with local regulations. In response, the PTA chairman assured the committee that Starlink had agreed to adhere to Pakistan’s policies and would not bypass regulatory oversight. He explained that Starlink would operate through a gateway located within Pakistan, ensuring the service remains subject to the government’s control. He also highlighted the potential benefits of the service, particularly in providing high-speed broadband to remote areas, which could empower entrepreneurs and bridge the digital divide in underserved regions.
The committee discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic concerns over growing Islamophobic rhetoric targeting the Pakistani community abroad. Referring to Musk’s remarks and their implications, lawmakers pointed out that such narratives were damaging and must be countered effectively. The Foreign Office has previously condemned xenophobic and racist statements in international media, which it has described as targeting a diverse and vibrant community based on the actions of a few individuals.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Starlink recently reached out to Pakistani authorities, with Musk himself confirming on social media that he is awaiting Islamabad’s approval to launch the service. The issue has sparked debate nationwide, as many see Starlink’s potential to improve connectivity in rural areas as a significant opportunity, despite concerns over the company’s ownership and content regulation.
The Senate committee resolved to summon the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board for further discussions in its next session to ensure that all regulatory and security concerns are thoroughly addressed before any decision on Starlink’s entry into Pakistan is made. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja previously confirmed that Pakistan remains in contact with Starlink to explore the feasibility of bringing its services to the country.
Starlink’s potential to deliver high-speed satellite internet comes at a time when Pakistan faces persistent internet challenges, including outages blamed on submarine cable faults and concerns about experiments with a national firewall. While the promise of improved connectivity holds great appeal, lawmakers insist that the country’s national security, regulatory framework, and digital sovereignty must take precedence in any final decision regarding Starlink’s operations.
