Pakistan is preparing to launch its first satellite-based internet service, with Elon Musk’s Starlink expected to start operations in the country by the end of this year, according to sources cited by PakistaniPro.
Starlink has shown a clear willingness to operate within Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework, having already submitted its registration application to national authorities.
According to sources, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (P-SARB) is in the final stages of developing an international satellite regulatory framework. This framework will serve as the foundation for issuing licenses to satellite internet service providers. Once finalized, Starlink is expected to be officially registered with P-SARB, followed by the issuance of an operational license by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
As part of the preparation, P-SARB recently organized a workshop with satellite industry stakeholders at a local hotel, attended by Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Major global companies, including Shanghai Telecom, Amazon, and OneWeb, have also shown interest in launching satellite internet operations in Pakistan. However, Starlink remains the first company to have formally applied under the developing framework.
There is speculation that Elon Musk may personally attend the launch event in Pakistan later this year. Starlink, which is already operational in other South Asian countries, is expected to significantly improve internet connectivity and strengthen digital infrastructure across Pakistan, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Officials believe that the introduction of Starlink’s satellite internet services will accelerate Pakistan’s digitalization efforts, broaden connectivity, and support economic growth by opening new revenue streams. They also confirmed that Starlink’s operations pose no security threat to the country’s national agencies.