News Desk

The Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Hafeez-ur-Rehman, informed the Senate Committee that Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, applied for a license in February 2022, but has yet to receive clearance from the Ministry of Interior. He further explained that Starlink had agreed to follow the government’s policy after being informed of the concerns.

The Senate Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, convened to receive a briefing on the potential launch of Starlink in Pakistan.

Hafeez-ur-Rehman explained that Pakistan’s National Space Policy was introduced in 2023, followed by the creation of the Pakistan Space Regulatory Board in 2024. The board will operate under the National Command Authority, and its purpose is to provide commercial protection for SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission).

He also mentioned that any satellite wishing to offer services in Pakistan must first register with the Electronic and Electrical Certification Panel (EECP), then with the regulatory board, and finally apply to PTA for a license.

Starlink has completed its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), but its clearance from the Ministry of Interior is still pending. Hafeez-ur-Rehman reassured the committee that once Starlink registers with the new regulatory body, PTA will issue the necessary license.

Senator Anusha Rahman raised concerns about the policy being formed under the caretaker government, and questioned how such a decision could be made during this period. The PTA Chairman clarified that the company applied for a license in February 2022, but security clearance is still awaited.

The committee also discussed the potential role of Starlink in supporting businesses in remote areas. Hafeez-ur-Rehman added that the new regulatory board would handle the registration process, and once approved, PTA would issue the license. He also confirmed that other companies, including a Chinese company called Triple SD, are considering entering the Pakistani market.

Concerns were also raised about Elon Musk’s past social media activities, with Dr. Afanullah Khan noting that Musk had run a campaign against Pakistan, which might influence any decisions regarding Starlink’s operations in the country. Palwasha Khan echoed these concerns, stating that Musk’s stance had damaged Pakistan’s global reputation.

Anusha Rahman also highlighted potential issues related to internet censorship, stating that Starlink’s connection to a person with such controversial behavior could present ethical and enforcement challenges. The committee asked how such challenges would be handled and which regulatory body would oversee the content.

The PTA Chairman responded that the regulatory body would take all these factors into account before issuing any license. He emphasized that Starlink would not bypass the government system and would comply with any instructions regarding data blocking if required.

The Additional Secretary of IT mentioned that space regulations are highly technical and are overseen by SUPARCO. However, Anusha Rahman pointed out that PTA should have taken the lead on this matter, not the Ministry of IT, which had transferred the responsibility to the Ministry of Interior.

The committee has decided to summon SUPARCO and the regulatory authority at the next meeting for further clarification.