ISLAMABAD

The rollout of Starlink in Pakistan remains stalled as authorities weigh regulatory approvals and security implications, officials told a parliamentary panel.

Responding to queries, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said Starlink has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, but cannot be granted a license without mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Interior.

“Until all approvals are in place, no operator — including Starlink — can begin services,” the PTA chief said.

Lawmakers raised concerns over the potential misuse of satellite internet technology. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan cited examples from Iran, where Starlink was reportedly used during internet shutdowns, and claimed the service may already be in limited use in certain areas of Pakistan, including by militant elements.

He urged authorities to examine the issue from a national security perspective.

However, the IT Ministry secretary pushed back on some of the claims, clarifying that images circulating online as evidence were actually from other Middle Eastern regions and not Pakistan.

The discussion highlights the delicate balance Pakistan faces between expanding internet access through emerging technologies and addressing regulatory and security risks tied to their deployment.