No Starlink Launch Delay in Pakistan, Says IT Minister

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja clarified that there is no Starlink launch delay in Pakistan, dismissing ongoing speculation during a media briefing.

Addressing media persons on Friday, Shaza Fatima confirmed that the licensing process is on track, and no Starlink launch delay is expected in Pakistan. She stated that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board has appointed a consultant to draft regulations for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, with a rulebook scheduled for completion by June.

The minister said that Starlink is expected to take about five to six months to establish its infrastructure in Pakistan, targeting a full launch by December 2025. She added that Starlink has been cooperating positively with Pakistani institutions.

Shaza Fatima also revealed that Chinese satellite internet firms like Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space have shown interest in entering the Pakistani market, aiming to invest in satellite internet and broader space technology, although formal applications are still pending.

Pakistan’s Open Space Policy Encourages New Entrants

Emphasizing the country’s open and non-exclusive space policy, the minister said the government will support any company willing to invest.

Commenting on the telecom sector’s struggles, Shaza noted that the average revenue per user (ARPU) remains at a low Rs270 per month, the lowest in the region, and that rising costs due to dollar fluctuations and electricity prices have worsened the situation.

She expressed hope that the upcoming spectrum auction would boost services, with telecom companies already submitting budget proposals for the next fiscal year, soon to be shared with the Ministry of Finance.

Regarding the shutdown of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she rejected claims that it infringed on freedom of expression, saying X had not engaged with the IT Ministry after the ban. She emphasized that X has failed to comply with Pakistani laws, unlike other platforms that maintain communication with the government.

The clarification regarding no Starlink launch delay comes as a reassurance amid growing public interest in satellite internet services in Pakistan.