Starlink in Pakistan delayed again: national interest or appeasing foreign politics?

Pakistan has postponed granting a full operational licence to Elon Musk-owned Starlink for the second time , citing a combination of political sensitivities, security risks, unresolved regulatory hurdles, and strategic competition from Chinese firms, according to government sources and media reports.

Although Starlink received provisional registration from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) in March 2025 , this allowed only infrastructure planning. The first delay came when commercial operations were initially blocked. The second delay , still ongoing as of early 2026, reflects continued concerns over security, political optics, and international relations, leaving observers questioning whether Pakistan is prioritising national interest, economic opportunities, or appeasing foreign political calculations .

Government testing reportedly showed that Starlink could transmit data outside Pakistan’s monitoring and regulatory frameworks, raising fears about data sovereignty, unmonitored communications, and misuse in sensitive regions. Satellite internet could bypass the China-assisted national firewall project , which is designed to monitor content, regulate digital flows, and enforce state surveillance .

Critics argue that Pakistan’s cautious approach is more political than technical . Officials cite the fallout between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk as a factor, highlighting how international politics and personal relationships may influence domestic decisions. Observers ask whether Pakistan’s hesitation is aimed at appeasing Trump, managing Musk’s influence, or protecting national interests , rather than serving the people or advancing business opportunities.

The decision also follows a pattern of politically driven internet restrictions. In 2024, Pakistan banned X (formerly Twitter) ahead of national elections , citing concerns over politically sensitive content. Starlink’s high-profile entry, coupled with its US ownership, is seen similarly as a politically sensitive case that could impact public discourse or bypass domestic oversight.

Security concerns remain critical. Pakistan has a population of around 240 million people , with roughly 121–125 million having access to the internet . However, internet access in Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is severely limited due to ongoing military operations, insurgent attacks, and threats to critical infrastructure . Satellite internet could allow unmonitored communications in these regions, complicating licensing decisions. Critics argue that the people’s need for connectivity—especially in remote and underserved areas—is being sidelined in favour of political optics and strategic caution.

China’s growing influence in Pakistan’s technology sector adds another dimension. Firms such as Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Limited (SSST) already dominate Pakistan’s telecom ecosystem and see Starlink as a direct competitor , giving the government a strategic reason to delay approvals .

Experts warn that Starlink’s architecture could enable users to bypass national gateways, access restricted websites, or communicate without oversight , which is politically sensitive. The larger question remains: should Pakistan’s decision be guided by national interest, economic benefits, or the calculations of Trump and Musk ?

Satellite-based internet is expected to primarily serve remote and underserved regions such as Balochistan and northern mountainous areas, where conventional broadband is limited. Authorities remain concerned that foreign operators could weaken control over communications in politically sensitive and high-risk regions , highlighting the tension between security, politics, and citizens’ connectivity needs.

PSARB officials stated that consultations with stakeholders have concluded, but additional time is needed to finalise licensing, address political and security sensitivities, and ensure any approval aligns with Pakistan’s domestic and international strategic priorities before commercial operations can commence.