Starlink has officially registered in Pakistan under the name ‘Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited’. The company has applied to establish two or three ground stations in the country, aiming to provide direct satellite internet access to customers across Pakistan. This move aligns with Starlink’s strategy of expanding its satellite internet services to regions with limited or underserved internet access.
PTA has confirmed that Starlink is in the process of obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in the country. In a written response to the Senate Standing Committee, PTA outlined the steps Starlink is taking to comply with Pakistan’s regulatory requirements. The company first submitted an application for a LDI license on February 24, 2022, and followed this with an application for 14 Local Loop licenses on April 29, 2022. These licenses are necessary for the company to provide satellite-based internet services in Pakistan.
PTA has referred the matter to MOITT for further engagement with stakeholders, marking the ongoing regulatory process to assess Starlink’s entry into the market. Pakistan’s legal framework for satellite-based telecommunications is governed by the National Satellite Policy 2023 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. The National Satellite Policy, approved in December 2023, emphasizes coordination between federal and provincial agencies, alongside SUPARCO, the country’s National Space Agency, to oversee satellite-related initiatives in the country.
Earlier this month, Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink had applied for permission to launch internet services in Pakistan, revealing that the company was waiting for the government’s approval. This has led to discussions within Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT), where it was revealed that Starlink’s internet service could be launched in Pakistan once security clearance is granted, a key prerequisite for obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in the country.
During a committee briefing on Wednesday, the PTA Chairman, Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, expressed hope that the matter would be resolved within a month. He confirmed that Starlink Internet Services (Private) Ltd had yet to secure the required security clearance and licenses from the PTA, including the LDI and Local Loop (LL) licenses. Rehman emphasized that Starlink’s services were not yet available in Pakistan, not even through illegal means.
“Starlink could launch the services once it gets security clearance as well as the required LDI and LL.”
However, during the discussion, concerns were raised about Elon Musk’s previous comments regarding grooming gangs in the UK, allegedly operated by Pakistanis. These remarks were seen by some committee members as part of a broader disinformation campaign targeting Pakistan. Palwasha Khan, the chairperson of the committee, voiced strong objections to Musk’s statements, describing them as “targeted disinformation against Pakistan” that was further amplified in collaboration with Indian entities.
“It seems Elon Musk has partnered with India to propagate false allegations against Pakistan.”
In response to these concerns, committee member Afnanullah Khan proposed that the granting of a license to Starlink should be conditional upon Musk issuing a public apology for his anti-Pakistan comments. “The PTA must consider Musk’s campaign against Pakistan before issuing a licence. He should apologise for his statements before any further steps are taken,” Khan stated, emphasizing that Starlink’s entry into the Pakistani market should not be separated from Musk’s public conduct.
The IT special secretary further clarified that there had been no direct engagement between Musk and Pakistani authorities regarding these issues. As such, the conversation within the Senate Standing Committee remained centered on the broader implications of allowing Starlink to operate in Pakistan, especially considering Musk’s controversial remarks.
While the regulatory process continues, Pakistan remains cautious about the potential security and diplomatic implications of allowing Starlink to establish a presence in the country. The final decision will depend on whether the necessary licenses are granted, alongside the security clearance that is still pending. The outcome of this deliberation could pave the way for a significant advancement in Pakistan’s internet connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas, but it also raises questions about the broader relationship between business, politics, and national security.
