Pakistan Eyes Starlink to Bridge Digital Gap, Ambassador Visits SpaceX

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has emphasized the potentially transformative role of SpaceX’s Starlink in overcoming Pakistan’s digital divide. Starlink utilizes low Earth orbit satellites to deliver internet connectivity to remote areas.

These remarks were made during Ambassador Sheikh’s visit to the headquarters of SpaceX in Los Angeles. He was accompanied by Asim Ali Khan, the Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, along with other consulate representatives.

During the visit, the Pakistani delegation received insights into ongoing discussions regarding possible collaboration between Pakistan and SpaceX, particularly concerning the Starlink project and satellite technologies.

A statement indicated that the SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Global Business Operations and the Director of Global Business Development welcomed the Pakistani delegation. They highlighted the potential of Starlink’s satellite infrastructure and SpaceX’s capabilities to bolster Pakistan’s digital transformation.

Discussions centered on enhancing broadband availability and strengthening national connectivity, especially in remote regions of Pakistan that are currently underserved.

Ambassador Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s dedication to fostering innovation-driven advancement through strategic international alliances.

He conveyed appreciation for the productive dialogue and expressed optimism that continued engagement would yield concrete collaboration in space technology, digital infrastructure, and commercial innovation, according to a statement from the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles.

The engagement with SpaceX is part of Ambassador Sheikh’s broader efforts in California to strengthen technological and economic relationships between the private sectors of Pakistan and the United States.

Despite frequent interactions, Pakistan, with its large community of freelancers, is awaiting the operational commencement of Starlink.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated last month that the licensing of Starlink would be finalized soon and that the satellite-based internet provider is expected to begin operations in Pakistan by November 2025.

“Following the license issuance, we will start installing the necessary equipment, and Starlink will be accessible in Pakistan from November,” Shaza Fatima informed the National Assembly’s standing committee.

In March, Islamabad granted preliminary registration to Starlink, paving the way for launching satellite-based internet services nationwide.