Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has praised Starlink’s upcoming launch in Pakistan, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce the country’s digital divide. His remarks were made during a visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, where he and his delegation were briefed on the collaboration between Pakistan and SpaceX.
Starlink, the satellite internet service founded by Elon Musk, uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet, especially targeting remote and underserved regions.
Read more: Amazon Deploys First Kuiper Satellites, Challenges SpaceX’s Starlink
The delegation met with Starlink’s Vice President of Global Business Operations and Director of Global Business Development, receiving a tour of SpaceX’s facilities and learning about the company’s advanced satellite technology.
Discussions focused on expanding broadband access and improving connectivity across Pakistan, with special attention to rural and disadvantaged areas. Ambassador Sheikh emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to fostering innovation through international partnerships, expressing optimism about future cooperation in space technology, digital infrastructure, and commercial ventures.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance ties between the IT sectors of Pakistan and the United States. Recently, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced that Starlink has received a provisional license to operate in Pakistan, with services expected by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the Chinese company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology has applied for a similar license, as the government encourages competition within the satellite internet market.
