Pakistan is on track to introduce its first satellite-based internet service, with Starlink preparing to launch operations in the country by the end of this year, according to sources familiar with the development. Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture has expressed its commitment to complying with local laws and regulatory requirements and has formally submitted an application for registration with relevant authorities.
Currently, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (P-SARB) is in the process of finalizing an international satellite regulatory framework that will set the foundation for licensing satellite internet service providers. Upon completion of this framework, Starlink is expected to be officially registered with P-SARB. Following this step, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will issue the operational license required for Starlink to begin its services in the country.
In anticipation of this rollout, P-SARB recently hosted a workshop involving multiple satellite internet stakeholders at a local hotel. The event was attended by Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and featured participation from prominent global companies such as Shanghai Telecom, Amazon, and OneWeb, all of whom have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. Starlink is currently the first company to have applied for registration under the developing regulatory framework.
There is also speculation surrounding a potential visit by Elon Musk to Pakistan later this year to mark the official launch of Starlink’s services. The company already operates in various countries across South Asia and is recognized for its ability to provide high-speed, low-latency internet in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. With the expected rollout, Pakistan aims to extend reliable connectivity to remote regions that have traditionally lacked access to consistent internet infrastructure.
Officials involved in the process believe that the introduction of satellite internet through Starlink will contribute significantly to the country’s digital transformation. They see it as an opportunity to improve broadband penetration, reduce the digital divide, and enhance economic development by enabling new digital revenue streams. Additionally, government representatives have confirmed that Starlink’s operation has been thoroughly reviewed and poses no security concerns for national agencies.
The launch is expected to support broader goals of digitalization and infrastructure development, providing Pakistani users with an alternative to traditional fiber and cellular internet services. With the regulatory groundwork nearing completion, Starlink’s formal entry into Pakistan marks a major milestone in the evolution of internet access across the country.
