Tech Desk 
Jan 22, 2025
With the impending registration of Elon Musk's Starlink deep in progression, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has not yet approved the satellite-driven internet service.
Presided by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan on Wednesday, the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom during a National Assembly session on Wednesday was of a collective view that the tech billionaire Musk should apologise to get his satellite internet registered in Pakistan.
The telecommunication regulatory authority claimed that the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has conveyed its concerns to Starlink, adding that the satellite internet provider has agreed to the regulations the government devised for its operations across Pakistan.
Starlink's internet services in the country will operate under a comprehensive set of regulations and will not bypass them, Geo News reported.
In compliance with the government of Pakistan, Starlink will also resort to suspending its services if need be, the PTA chief maintained.
State Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said some amendments were incorporated in the Digital Nation Bill.
Reflecting on the longstanding internet problems nationwide while opposing the bill, some committee members were of the view that the government should exercise restraint regarding its implementation.
