Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Authority (PSARA) has issued a NOC to Starlink. This development marks a significant step towards the official commencement of Starlink’s services in Pakistan, with regulatory approvals now in their final stages. According to sources, the clearance from the Ministry of Interior was a crucial step that allowed PSARA to grant the NOC, ensuring that Starlink has met all required security and compliance standards.
PTA is now expected to issue the necessary licenses to Starlink within the next two weeks. The company has already submitted its formal application to PTA and provided technical and business plans for review. Starlink has successfully completed three critical registration phases, including approvals from SECP and the PSEB. The final step in the process is obtaining PTA license, which will allow Starlink to begin operations in the country. Regulatory authorities are currently scrutinizing the company’s submissions to ensure that its services do not interfere with existing telecommunications networks.
Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape has been evolving rapidly, with the introduction of the National Satellite Policy in 2023 and the subsequent implementation of Space Activities Rules in 2024. These regulations were designed to strengthen the country’s space-based communication infrastructure and provide a framework for international satellite operators like Starlink to enter the market. With these developments, Pakistan is poised to experience a significant transformation in internet accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional broadband services remain limited.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed that Starlink had been granted temporary registration in Pakistan following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She stated that the government had reached a consensus among all security and regulatory bodies before issuing the temporary NOC. She also emphasized that the PTA would oversee Starlink’s compliance with licensing regulations, including fee payments and other operational requirements. The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to digital transformation, stating that the prime minister had directed sweeping reforms to modernize Pakistan’s internet infrastructure.
Khawaja described the introduction of satellite-based internet services as a milestone that would significantly enhance connectivity across Pakistan. She noted that modern solutions such as Starlink’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet could revolutionize access to the web, particularly in rural and remote areas where fiber-optic networks and mobile broadband services have struggled to expand. She also stressed that improved connectivity would play a vital role in economic development by enabling better access to e-commerce, online education, telemedicine, and digital entrepreneurship opportunities.
While Starlink’s entry into Pakistan presents exciting possibilities, industry experts believe that the service’s success will depend on pricing, reliability, and regulatory cooperation. Satellite-based internet is generally more expensive than conventional broadband, and affordability could be a key factor in determining its adoption rate in the country. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the integration of Starlink’s network with existing telecommunications infrastructure, as well as its potential impact on local internet service providers. PTA’s final review will likely address these concerns before granting full approval.
With Starlink on the verge of launching its services in Pakistan, the country is set to take a major leap in digital connectivity. As regulatory hurdles are cleared and the necessary approvals finalized, the arrival of satellite-based internet could reshape Pakistan’s broadband market, bridging the digital divide and providing millions of users with reliable and high-speed internet access. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how soon Pakistani consumers and businesses can begin utilizing Starlink’s services and whether the company’s ambitious expansion plans will align with the country’s evolving digital landscape.
