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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service cannot commence operations in Pakistan until it secures approval from the Ministry of Interior. During a session of the National Assembly Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom on Wednesday, PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman confirmed this.
The PTA Chairman disclosed that Starlink submitted its registration application on February 24, 2022, and that the issue was sent to the Ministry of Interior for security clearance. The newly established regulatory body, PSARB, now holds the responsibility of deciding whether to grant the license.
Senator Palwasha Khan raised her concerns regarding Elon Musk’s recent campaign on social media, criticizing him for seemingly supporting India’s narrative against Pakistan. “It seems Elon Musk has partnered with India to propagate false allegations against Pakistan,” she stated.
Before launching its satellite services in Pakistan, Starlink must first register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and PSB. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman assured that once the registration process is completed, the authority will move forward with the necessary procedures.
The PTA has made it clear that it will not issue a license to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, until it receives government approval. Rehman emphasized that Starlink’s operations in Pakistan will be fully compliant with the country’s regulations, and the company will not bypass these requirements. He also confirmed that Starlink has agreed to suspend its services if needed, in line with Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, stated that she updated the Digital Nation Bill. Several committee members spoke out against the law, citing current internet problems in the country and urging the administration not to implement it.
