Shaza Fatima confirms talks with Starlink to address connectivity woes

The government is committed to improving internet services despite recent disruptions, says state minister for IT

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Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that Pakistan is in negotiations with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring satellite internet services to the country. The move comes as Pakistan faces significant internet disruptions and an ongoing ban on social media platform X, according to reports by local media.

Khawaja discussed the ongoing talks during a heated parliamentary session on Friday, acknowledging Pakistan's internet infrastructure challenges while stating that the government is committed to improving internet services despite recent disruptions, including the ban on X, which she said affects less than two percent of the population.

She further justified surveillance measures by citing national security concerns, especially in light of recent terrorist attacks.

Starlink's previous attempts to enter the market have been delayed due to regulatory hurdles, particularly concerns over interference with Pakistan's geostationary satellite, PakSAT-MM1. 

The discussions regarding Starlink’s potential entry into the Pakistani market are seen as part of the government's efforts to address growing connectivity issues.

However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) released a report on Friday indicating widespread disruptions across major networks, including Jazz and Telenor, who reported issues with accessing X.

PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman distanced the agency from infrastructure concerns, stating that no new submarine cables have been brought to Pakistan in the past decade, highlighting that the government is responsible for cable development.

Pakistan’s internet accessibility has been under scrutiny since early 2024, when the government imposed the ban on X and other social media platforms for security reasons.

The restrictions have drawn criticism from civil rights groups and business leaders, who are concerned about the impact on the economy and public freedoms.