Islamabad, July 3, 2025: Plans for launching Starlink’s satellite internet services in Pakistan have hit another roadblock, as the company’s temporary registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) has officially expired, sources confirmed on Thursday.
The setback further delays the licensing process for the global satellite internet provider, which had been pursuing regulatory approval to operate in Pakistan.
According to officials, Starlink was granted temporary registration on March 21, a prerequisite for obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). However, the company has yet to meet the criteria for permanent registration, required to move forward with a full commercial license.
“The temporary registration expired in June, and Starlink has not yet fulfilled the conditions for permanent approval,” a government source said.
In a brief statement, Starlink acknowledged the lapse in registration and said the matter is currently under internal review. Company insiders added that Starlink is awaiting a clear policy framework from the Pakistani government for satellite internet operations before advancing.
Earlier this year, the PTA granted Starlink an NOC after PSARB approval, in what was seen as a significant milestone. The decision reportedly followed directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling the government’s intent to expand digital access, especially in underserved areas.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, had registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and applied for a telecom license on February 24, 2022. The application was referred to the Ministry of IT for consultation in March 2022, but the licensing process has since remained stalled.
