Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that Starlink has applied for permission to provide internet services in Pakistan, but is currently awaiting approval from the government. Musk’s statement came in response to a post by a Pakistani social media user, Sanam Jamali, who expressed optimism that Starlink could help Pakistan become more connected in the future. In a follow-up, Jamali suggested that the Pakistani government had approved Starlink’s entry into the market and encouraged Musk to expedite the process, emphasizing how improved internet access could benefit millions by enhancing connectivity, education, and opportunities.
Earlier, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT, also acknowledged ongoing negotiations with Starlink Pakistan. During a heated parliamentary session, she discussed the country’s struggles with internet infrastructure and the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity despite challenges, such as recent internet disruptions and the ban on X. Khawaja highlighted national security concerns as a justification for surveillance measures, particularly in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
Starlink’s efforts to enter the Pakistani market have faced regulatory hurdles, mainly due to concerns over potential interference with the country’s geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1. The satellite internet service has encountered delays, but the Pakistani government has shown interest in advancing the talks. Starlink’s potential impact could help bridge the digital divide in Pakistan, where internet outages have caused significant economic losses. According to a report by Top10VPN.com, Pakistan was the country most affected by internet shutdowns, with losses amounting to $1.62 billion. As part of a global trend, the report noted that internet outages worldwide led to a financial loss of $7.69 billion last year, further underlining the importance of improving internet services like Starlink Pakistan.
