Discussions between Pakistan and Elon Musk’s Starlink are already underway, with Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirming active negotiations during a recent parliamentary session; Musk has also confirmed that Starlink is set to launch in Pakistan, pending government approval.
The billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has confirmed that his satellite internet venture, Starlink, is ready to be launched in Pakistan, subject to government approval. He responded to a post on his platform, X, by a Pakistani user urging him to bring Starlink to the nation.
Musk’s announcement has excited Pakistanis, who want to bridge the digital divide and improve internet connectivity in a country that faces many infrastructure challenges.
According to an independent report, Pakistan was the country most impacted by lengthy internet disruptions in 2024. With growing demand for reliable access, Starlink’s entry may unlock transformative leaps for this country.
Discussions are already underway between Pakistan and Starlink, as confirmed by the Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, during a parliamentary session. She emphasized that despite the current problems, including the recent disruptions and security-related surveillance measures, the government is keen on improving internet services.
Regulatory concerns have been one of the primary hurdles delaying Starlink’s entry, particularly regarding potential interference with Pakistan’s geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1. While these issues have stalled progress, the renewed push for Starlink reflects the government’s focus on addressing the nation’s connectivity crisis.
