News desk
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja revealed that Pakistan is in discussions with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet company, to introduce its services to the country.
The development was shared during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Addressing the committee, Khawaja highlighted the government’s efforts to modernize Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, announcing plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April 2024.
“We are in talks with Starlink to bring them to Pakistan,” she said, emphasizing the move as a solution to persistent internet connectivity issues, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
The announcement comes as Pakistan grapples with widespread internet disruptions, which have significantly affected users nationwide, including freelancers, students, and businesses. Industry stakeholders have reported billions of rupees in losses, calling for immediate action to stabilize the digital ecosystem.
The minister acknowledged several hurdles impeding the country’s digital growth, including a lack of investment in the IT sector over the past three years and rising demands on internet infrastructure. Technical issues, such as inefficient firewall management and growing data consumption, were cited by officials as contributing factors to the slow speeds and disruptions.
