The Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has dismissed speculation about delays in the Starlink license, stating that the satellite Internet provider is on the way to launching in Pakistan in December 2025.
Informally speaking to journalists on Friday, the minister said that a consultant has been appointed by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (Supparco) to write regulatory frameworks for low -earth orbit satellites (Leo), and the rules book is expected to be completed in June.
“There is no delay in Starlink licenses. The process is ongoing and structured,” he said, and noted that Starlink has remained in contact with the Pakistani authorities and it is expected to pass the next five to six months building infrastructure before his operational debut.
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite Internet companies, including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space, have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. However, she clarified that no formal requests have been submitted.
“Our space policy is open and not exclusive,” he added. “We will facilitate any company that meets the criteria and presents.”
When heading to the broader telecommunications sector, the minister recognized the financial challenges, citing an average income per user (ARPU) of RS270, the lowest in the region. She attributed the tension to the fluctuations of currencies and the increase in electricity prices.
The minister said that the next spectrum auction could help improve telecommunications services and confirmed that companies had submitted budget proposals for the next fiscal year, which are being reviewed in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
At the continuous closure of the X Social Network Platform in Pakistan, Shaza rejected the public statements that the measure reduces freedom of expression.
“X has not committed to the Ministry of IT since the prohibition,” he said, suggesting that any communication has probably occurred with the Telecommunications Authority of Pakistan (PTA).
“X does not comply with Pakistani laws,” he added, while noted that other platforms remain in contact and respond to government requests.
