- Aminul Haq pushes for Starlink to commence services in Pakistan.
- He also voiced concern over allocation of Rs6bn for Karachi IT Park.
- “These steps are necessary to connect with digital world,” he adds.
Pakistan Expected to Approve Starlink, Chinese Tech Firms Within Six Months
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is expected to grant operating licenses to Elon Musk’s Starlink and several Chinese technology firms within the next six months, according to Sabeen Ghauri, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.
Her statement came during a parliamentary meeting on Starlink’s potential operations in Pakistan, in response to concerns raised by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, a member of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, regarding delays in approving the satellite internet service.
The anticipated approval could pave the way for expanded digital connectivity across Pakistan, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where Starlink’s low-orbit satellite technology could provide high-speed internet access.
Stay tuned for further updates as Pakistan moves closer to welcoming next-generation internet solutions.
Pakistan Pushes for Starlink Approval Amid Concerns Over Digitalisation Delays
ISLAMABAD – The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom has called for accelerating Starlink’s approval process, with Chairman Aminul Haq stressing the urgency of allowing the satellite internet service to commence operations in Pakistan.
However, committee members expressed disappointment over the slow pace of digitalisation efforts, particularly in establishing IT parks and advancing key tech policies.
Concerns Over Unspent IT Funds and Policy Delays
Aminul Haq raised concerns over the Rs6 billion allocated for the Karachi IT Park, which remains unutilized this fiscal year. He also pointed to delays in finalizing the Personal Data Protection Bill and the development of an AI policy.
The committee was briefed that the IT ministry’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and its affiliated institutions have received Rs24 billion so far in the current financial year.
Additionally, members voiced concerns about poor broadband services provided by the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Call for Broadband Expansion and Telecom Tribunal
Amin directed the IT ministry to:
✅ Improve broadband services in AJK and GB and finalize the fiberisation policy.
✅ Grant government funding to the Universal Service Fund (USF) to enhance rural connectivity.
✅ Expedite Starlink’s approval and the establishment of a telecom tribunal.
The committee unanimously decided that Long Distance and International (LDI) license companies must repay Rs78 billion in outstanding dues without concessions. The telecom tribunal will be activated to resolve the matter.
Telecom Revenue and Government Spending Disparity
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd.) Hafeezur Rehman revealed that telecom companies have contributed Rs1,700 billion in taxes over the last six years, yet not a single rupee has been spent by the government to improve network infrastructure.
Committee members proposed that the ministry seek separate grants for the USF from the federal government, ensuring telecom revenue is reinvested into broadband expansion and fiberisation projects.
“Private telecom companies invest in urban areas, but government grants are essential to bring broadband services to remote regions,” Amin stated, emphasizing that stronger digital infrastructure will accelerate IT exports and help Pakistan integrate into the global digital economy.
“To keep pace with technology, we must act swiftly to connect with the digital world,” he added.
