During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the Chairman of PTA stated that for providing satellite internet services in Pakistan, registration with SECP is mandatory. Starlink applied for approval in 2022, and the matter was referred to the Ministry of Interior for security clearance.
The Chairman of PTA further explained that the Starlink matter is now under the jurisdiction of a new authority, PASRB. Once the authority approves, PTA will issue a license to Starlink. This new authority, SPD, governs satellite service provision.
Committee Chairperson Palwasha Khan expressed serious concerns over Elon Musk’s alleged anti-Pakistan campaign. Senator Afnan Ullah demanded that Starlink’s service approval be conditional upon Elon Musk issuing an apology for his remarks against Pakistan.
Senator Afnan Ullah stated that while there is no objection to any company conducting business in Pakistan, Elon Musk recently launched a campaign against Pakistan on social media. He urged PTA to review Musk’s actions before issuing a license to Starlink, emphasizing that Musk should apologize for his statements against Pakistan. Senator Anusha Rehman also expressed dismay, noting that even before Starlink’s entry, Musk’s anti-Pakistan campaign continues.
The PTA Chairman informed the committee that another Chinese company has also applied for a satellite internet license in Pakistan. The decision regarding Starlink’s license rests with the government, which can resolve the matter within a month if desired.
The Special Secretary for IT noted that Elon Musk has made no recent contact with Pakistan, but he had tweeted about awaiting approval from Pakistan, claiming that the country lacks the capacity to provide services like Starlink.
Chairperson Palwasha Khan remarked that Elon Musk seems to have aligned with India, accusing him of collaborating with India to propagate allegations against Pakistan.
