“Unregulated Satellite Internet Flagged as Security Threat as Pakistan Reviews Starlink Entry”

ISLAMABAD, March 27: Pakistan has raised national security concerns over satellite internet services operating beyond government oversight, casting uncertainty over the entry of Starlink into the country.

Officials familiar with the process said the company’s licensing is under heightened scrutiny, with regulators seeking assurances on data security, monitoring mechanisms, and full compliance with local laws before granting approval.

The issue has also reached parliamentary forums, where lawmakers voiced reservations about allowing a global satellite network to operate without robust domestic safeguards, shifting the debate from technological advancement to national security.

Authorities warned that systems functioning outside regulatory control could limit the state’s ability to monitor data flows, raising concerns over potential misuse and security vulnerabilities.

Despite the caution, policymakers acknowledged the transformative potential of satellite internet in bridging connectivity gaps, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional infrastructure remains limited.

However, officials signalled that any rollout would be contingent on strict regulatory alignment, underscoring that expanded digital access must not come at the expense of national security.