The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, led by Senator Palwasha Khan, recently discussed the licensing of satellite internet services in Pakistan, focusing on Starlink’s operations.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the committee that Starlink submitted its registration application in February 2022. However, the process is still ongoing as the Ministry of Interior has yet to complete its security clearance. The matter has now been passed to the newly established Pakistan Authority for Space and Regulatory Bodies (PASRB) for a final decision.
During the meeting, Senator Palwasha Khan raised concerns about recent social media remarks by Elon Musk, accusing him of supporting India’s stance against Pakistan.
She stated that these comments are unacceptable and suggested that any decision regarding Starlink’s license should depend on Musk issuing a formal apology for his remarks.
The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that foreign companies respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests. They also stressed that all licensing processes must follow proper regulations and address any security concerns before granting approval.
This discussion reflects Pakistan’s cautious approach to introducing satellite internet services like Starlink while safeguarding its national interests. The final decision will depend on the outcomes of the regulatory and security reviews, as well as any response from Elon Musk regarding the concerns raised by the Senate committee.
