SpaceX has officially received a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to begin Starlink operations in Pakistan.
The approval was granted following extensive consultations between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology, security institutions, and regulatory bodies. Information Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed the development on Friday, emphasizing that this move aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s broader agenda to enhance nationwide connectivity and modernize digital services.
“Starlink has been issued a temporary NOC with the consensus of all security and regulatory agencies. This marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey,” Minister Shaza said. (via Mashriq)
With the temporary NOC now in place, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected to finalize licensing within the coming weeks. Starlink has reportedly completed three of the four registration phases required by the PTA, with the final step pending official license issuance.
Once fully licensed, Starlink’s entry into Pakistan could help bridge the country’s persistent digital divide. Minister Shaza noted that satellite internet will provide reliable, fast internet access in areas where conventional broadband services have long struggled to reach.
“Modern solutions like satellite internet will not only enhance connectivity but will bridge the digital divide across Pakistan,” she stated.
While the Starlink approval is seen as a landmark moment for Pakistan, it comes against the backdrop of an ongoing ban on X (formerly Twitter), another Musk-owned company, in the country.
Starlink’s arrival in Pakistan also mirrors its recent efforts to expand into neighboring India through partnerships with Bharti Airtel. However, regulatory approval for Starlink’s launch in India is still pending.
