Initially, back in January 2022, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) cautioned people about pre-ordering Starlink services, clarifying that Starlink hadn’t received the necessary licenses to operate in Pakistan. They specifically mentioned that Starlink was asking for a $99 refundable deposit for pre-orders and advised the public against it. The PTA even contacted Starlink to stop these pre-bookings.
However, things have progressed since then. News outlets like the Pakistan Observer and Dawn News reported that Starlink was expected to launch its services in Pakistan by the end of 2025, with the licensing process nearing completion. The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication also confirmed this, stating that Starlink had received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC), and the final license was expected soon.
Here’s a more detailed look at the current expectations:
- Approval and Licensing: Starlink has received provisional permission (a temporary NOC) to start its services. The PTA is anticipated to grant the full license soon.
- Pilot Testing: Pakistan has been conducting pilot tests of Starlink’s satellite-to-cell technology, with the goal of providing internet access to remote areas.
- Launch Timeline: The expectation is that Starlink will be operational across Pakistan by the end of 2025, once the final licensing is complete.
- Purpose: Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions of Pakistan where traditional internet infrastructure struggles to reach.
- Regulatory Framework: Once the complete regulatory framework is finalized, Starlink will have full authorization to offer its services nationwide.
- Ground Stations: Starlink plans to establish multiple ground stations within Pakistan to provide direct satellite internet access to its customers.
- Potential Impact: The arrival of Starlink is seen as a potentially significant development, especially for rural areas, promising improved connectivity for online learning and business activities.
More recently, in February 2025, there was a bit of a political angle to the story. Elon Musk, who owns Starlink, made comments on X (formerly Twitter) regarding UK grooming gangs and mentioned “Pakistani” men. This sparked outrage among some Pakistani legislators, who suggested that Starlink’s operating license should be contingent on Musk apologizing for these remarks.
However, a legislator from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emphasized that the decision regarding Starlink should be based on national interest and internet infrastructure needs, not on Musk’s political views or comments. He acknowledged that Starlink could benefit remote areas but stressed that any international company must adhere to Pakistan’s laws and prioritize national security, especially concerning data security and privacy, as Starlink’s satellite-based service could potentially bypass the country’s internet firewall.
The approval process in Pakistan involves several stages: registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) (which Starlink completed), approval from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), and finally, clearance from the PTA. As of late February 2025, Starlink’s application was under review by the PSARB. Concerns were also raised by a PTA official about potential interference from Starlink’s satellites with existing satellites.
On the other hand, the CEO of a major Pakistani internet service provider, NayaTel, suggested that these concerns might be overstated and that Starlink would actually provide a beneficial additional option for internet users in Pakistan, especially given Pakistan’s low ranking in global internet speeds. He felt that lengthy licensing processes discouraged foreign investment.
Despite these discussions, in March 2025, the IT ministry announced that Starlink had been granted a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate in Pakistan. The IT Minister, Shaza Fatima, stated that this temporary registration was given with the consensus of all security and regulatory agencies and marked the formal launch of satellite internet services in the country. She highlighted that this was a significant step towards improving Pakistan’s internet services and IT infrastructure, especially in line with the Prime Minister’s directives to enhance connectivity using modern solutions like satellite internet. The IT ministry also mentioned that this was a “whole of government” approach, involving consultations with various agencies, and that the PTA would finalize Starlink’s fee payment and other licensing requirements.
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