Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk, has registered with Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) under the name “Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited.”
The company has proposed setting up two to three ground stations in Pakistan to deliver satellite-based internet services directly to customers across the country. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Senate Standing Committee that Starlink is in the process of acquiring the necessary licenses to begin operations in Pakistan.
Starlink initially applied for a long-distance international (LDI) license on February 24, 2022. Subsequently, it submitted applications for 14 Local Loop licenses on April 29, 2022, as part of its strategy to offer satellite internet services.
The PTA has referred the licensing matter to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) for further review and coordination with relevant stakeholders. The process aligns with Pakistan’s National Satellite Policy 2023 and Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024. The National Satellite Policy, approved in December 2023, mandates coordination between federal and provincial agencies, as well as SUPARCO (the National Space Agency), to manage satellite-related initiatives.
Earlier this month, Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink had sought permission to launch internet services in Pakistan, pending government approval.
During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology, chaired by Palwasha Khan, it was disclosed that security clearance is a critical prerequisite for issuing Starlink’s licenses. The PTA Chairman, Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved within a month.
Rehman clarified that Starlink’s services are not currently available in Pakistan, either legally or otherwise. He emphasized that operations could commence once the necessary LDI and Local Loop licenses, as well as security clearance, are obtained.
During the meeting, committee chairperson Palwasha Khan raised concerns over Elon Musk’s controversial remarks alleging Pakistani involvement in grooming gangs in the UK. She described the statements as “targeted disinformation” against Pakistan, reportedly supported by Indian entities.
Committee member Afnanullah Khan suggested that granting Starlink a license should be contingent on Musk issuing a public apology for his remarks. He urged the PTA to take Musk’s statements into consideration before proceeding with the licensing process. The IT special secretary noted that no direct engagement had occurred between Musk and Pakistani authorities.
