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September 19, 2026
Starlink has clarified the status of four key requirements that low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators must fulfil before launching services in Pakistan. Starlink Pakistan Director Sikander Naqi said the requirements include registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), finalization of space regulations, issuance of a Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) licence, and completion of required security clearances. According to Naqi, the FSS licensing framework has reportedly been finalised, while space regulations are awaiting approval through the government’s internal process.
Starlink’s potential entry into Pakistan remains tied to unresolved regulatory and security requirements, with the company saying that most of the conditions for launching Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services cannot be formally completed until the government finalises and approves the relevant regulatory framework.
Starlink Pakistan Director Sikander Naqi said four key requirements have been identified for LEO satellite operators: registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), finalisation of space regulations, issuance of a Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) licence, and completion of mandatory security clearances.
According to Naqi, SECP registration is the only requirement that can be completed independently at this stage, while the remaining three are operator-specific and depend on the government formally issuing the FSS licensing framework and space regulations.
Naqi mentioned that industry consultations on the FSS framework have been completed and Starlink understands that the framework has been finalised. The space regulations have also reportedly been finalised but are awaiting approval through the government’s internal process. Until these frameworks are formally notified, operators cannot complete the associated licensing requirements.
Security clearance is another potential hurdle. Naqi said the required clearances are understood to be incorporated into the regulatory framework, but stressed that security vetting by relevant agencies is stringent and can involve extensive scrutiny, including clearances relating to foreign directors. He said further clarification may be required if additional procedural conditions are introduced, potentially extending the timeline for Starlink’s market entry.
The issue gained renewed attention after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed a Senate committee that LEO operators must meet regulatory and security requirements before being authorised to operate. The regulator also stated that no Starlink licence application was currently pending before the authority.
The regulatory uncertainty comes as Pakistan continues to face connectivity gaps in underserved areas and sectors requiring reliable communications, including schools, hospitals, railways and aviation. Naqi noted that LEO technology could potentially help address some of these challenges by providing connectivity where conventional terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.
Starlink has been seeking entry into Pakistan for several years and was previously reported to have registered locally as Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited. Its eventual launch, however, remains dependent on completion of the government’s regulatory and security processes.
