Pakistan is on the verge of launching its first satellite-based internet service, with Elon Musk’s Starlink expected to begin operations in the country by the end of this year.

Starlink has formally expressed its commitment to operate within Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework, having already submitted its application for registration with national authorities. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (P-SARB) is currently finalizing an international satellite regulatory framework, which will pave the way for licensing satellite internet providers. Once this framework is in place, Starlink will be officially registered with P-SARB, followed by the issuance of an operational license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

In anticipation of this development, P-SARB recently hosted a workshop for satellite companies, attended by Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Major industry players such as Shanghai Telecom, Amazon, and OneWeb have also shown interest in entering Pakistan’s satellite internet market, but Starlink is the first to have formally applied under the new regulatory process.

There is growing speculation that Elon Musk himself may attend the official launch event in Pakistan later this year. Starlink, which already operates in several South Asian countries, is expected to dramatically improve internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across Pakistan, particularly in underserved and remote regions.

Officials are optimistic that Starlink’s entry will accelerate Pakistan’s digitalization, expand nationwide connectivity, and drive economic growth by opening new revenue streams. Authorities have also confirmed that Starlink’s operations do not pose any security risks to national agencies.