Starlink is on track to begin offering satellite internet services in Pakistan by November or December 2025, IT Minister Shaza Fatima informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology during a meeting on Monday.
The minister assured that there are no obstacles in the licensing process but explained that the government is taking a measured approach since satellite internet is a relatively new technology requiring consideration from multiple perspectives. A consultant has been hired to draft the final regulatory framework, after which Starlink will need to formally reapply for its license.
“Once our regulatory framework is completed, Starlink will submit their formal application,” Fatima stated. She also revealed that Chinese firm Shanghai Spacecom has applied to offer similar satellite internet services in Pakistan, indicating growing interest in the country’s satellite internet market.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman informed the committee that Starlink currently holds a temporary license, with the full operational license pending finalization of regulatory frameworks. “Starlink’s license is in the issuance stage, but they will need to reapply once our final regulations are in place,” he explained.
The committee concluded that Starlink’s infrastructure deployment is expected to be completed in the coming months, making the service operational before the end of 2025, potentially transforming internet accessibility across Pakistan.
