Starlink must apologise, requires security clearance to operate in Pakistan: Senate

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) affirmed that Starlink, the satellite internet network owned by Elon Musk, can only receive a license to operate in Pakistan if it is granted security clearance. Speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on IT, PTA Chairman Hafee Rehman said that Starlink had applied for a license in February 2022, and that the Ministry of Interior would examine the case for security clearance. Starlink must register with the Pakistan State Bank and Pakistan’s Securities Exchange Commission (SECP) as part of the process, said the PTA Chairman.

Members of the Standing Committee suggested that any granting of a license to Starlink should be provisional on an apology from Musk, for what were seen as “anti-Pakistan” remarks. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, for example, said that “rhe PTA must consider Musk’s campaign against Pakistan before issuing a license. He should apologize for his statements before any further steps are taken.” According to Samaa TV, furthermore, aside from the aforementioned wait for approval, tweets by Musk about awaiting approval could be construed as misleading and inaccurate, as they inferred direct engagement.