Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has commended the transformative potential of Starlink, highlighting its anticipated launch in Pakistan by the end of this year as a major step toward reducing the country’s digital divide.
His remarks came during a visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, where he and his delegation engaged in discussions with Starlink officials about ongoing collaborative efforts. The talks focused on how Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, combined with SpaceX’s advanced commercial capabilities, could reshape Pakistan’s digital landscape, particularly by extending internet access to underserved and remote areas.
The delegation was hosted by Starlink’s Vice President of Global Business Operations and the Director of Global Business Development. They also toured the facility and received a detailed briefing on SpaceX’s pioneering technologies in satellite internet.
Both sides exchanged views on strategies for expanding broadband infrastructure in Pakistan, emphasizing connectivity in rural and marginalized regions. Ambassador Sheikh reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to digital innovation and international cooperation, expressing optimism that such initiatives could lead to substantive partnerships in technology, communications, and commerce.
This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to foster stronger collaboration between its private technology sector and American tech firms. The visit underscores the growing focus on digital transformation and international connectivity in Pakistan’s policy agenda.
In a recent statement, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed that Starlink has received a provisional licence to operate in Pakistan. The government expects full service rollout by the end of 2025. She also noted that a similar application has been submitted by the Chinese company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, as the government actively encourages competition in the satellite broadband market.
These moves reflect Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing internet access and fostering innovation through diverse global partnerships.
