Elon Musk's Starlink registered with SECP, says IT minister

Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed on Monday that Starlink has been officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

Speaking to private TV, Shaza Khawaja explained that following this approval, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is reviewing various technical aspects related to the service.

She further stated that a regulatory framework is being developed to ensure that low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies, including Starlink, can operate in Pakistan, making the sector open to international players.

The announcement comes days after comments made by Musk in which he confirmed that he was awaiting approval from the Pakistani government to launch Starlink in the country.

Musk's remarks came in response to messages from a Pakistani social media activist on platform X (formerly Twitter).

Pakistan has faced issues with slow internet speeds over the past year, compounded by a ban on X (formerly Twitter). The government has attributed these connectivity problems to submarine cable faults.