The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, met on Wednesday to discuss the licensing process for satellite internet services in Pakistan, focusing on Starlink’s operations.
During the session, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman shared updates on Starlink’s registration application, submitted on February 24, 2022. He explained that the case had been forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for security clearance and is now under review by the newly established Pakistan Authority for Space and Regulatory Bodies (PASRB), which will make the final decision.
Senator Palwasha Khan expressed concerns over Starlink’s owner, Elon Musk, citing his recent social media activity as anti-Pakistan. She accused Musk of aligning with India’s narrative against Pakistan, stating, “It seems Elon Musk has partnered with India to propagate false allegations against Pakistan.”
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan proposed that Starlink’s license approval be conditional upon Musk issuing a public apology for his remarks. “The PTA must consider Musk’s campaign against Pakistan before issuing a license,” he argued.
IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja had earlier announced that Starlink was officially registered in Pakistan. Musk later confirmed on the social media platform X that the company was negotiating with the government.
Recently, Musk supported an anti-Pakistan narrative on social media, backing a controversial statement by Priyanka Chaturvedi, an Indian MP, who blamed Pakistan for grooming gangs in the UK. Musk called her claim “true,” sparking further criticism from Pakistani lawmakers.
