The anticipated commercial rollout of Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service in Pakistan has hit a deadlock, with cybersecurity threats, unresolved licensing requirements, and questions of affordability delaying progress indefinitely.
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Despite receiving a temporary no-objection certificate (NOC) in March 2025, Starlink — operated by SpaceX — has yet to secure a full commercial license to operate in Pakistan. The process is currently stalled, according to official sources, with stakeholders adopting a cautious stance in light of growing regional tensions and internal policy debates.
“Do you think expensive satellite-based internet is a priority over national security?” asked a senior official involved in the matter, pointing to the government’s heightened sensitivity around digital infrastructure and surveillance vulnerabilities.
The delay stems from a combination of unresolved regulatory hurdles and security evaluations. Starlink must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Interior and demonstrate compliance with the Pakistan Space Activity Rules 2024 and the National Space Policy 2023 — frameworks designed to manage foreign commercial activity in Pakistan’s aerospace and communication sectors.
Starlink’s promise of high-speed internet via its network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites has attracted interest, especially for underserved and rural areas. However, its pricing model has raised eyebrows. The residential package is expected to cost around PKR 35,000 per month, with an upfront hardware cost of PKR 110,000. Business packages may go as high as PKR 95,000 per month, with a PKR 220,000 setup charge. These rates put the service far beyond the reach of average Pakistani consumers, who currently pay between PKR 2,500 and PKR 12,000 monthly for fiber-based internet.
Officials say the government is not outright opposed to the technology but is weighing its feasibility against national ICT goals and digital inclusion efforts. “The benefits are clear in terms of reach, but they’re irrelevant if 95% of the population can’t afford it,” a Ministry of IT source noted.
With no clear timeline for final approval, Starlink’s future in Pakistan remains uncertain — caught between innovation potential and the state’s security and socioeconomic realities.
