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September 16, 2026
LDI operators owe the government Rs84 billion in outstanding dues, while Starlink’s entry into Pakistan remains subject to pending regulatory requirements.
Long Distance International (LDI) operators have accumulated around Rs84 billion in liabilities to the government, while Starlink’s entry into Pakistan remains stalled over a pending regulatory registration, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom was told on Monday.
The committee, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, reviewed the recovery of outstanding payments from LDI companies and the status of related legal proceedings.
Of the total amount owed, Rs24 billion represents principal dues, while Rs60 billion has accrued in late payment surcharges. The committee raised concerns about the prolonged court cases and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide a detailed account of pending litigation and the financial exposure associated with each case.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom said the newly established Telecom Tribunal is now operational, following the appointment of its chairman and members and its formal inauguration. Twenty LDI-related cases have already been transferred to the tribunal in an effort to accelerate their disposal.
The committee was informed that the licences of the companies concerned had expired before PTA issued orders following hearings. The operators subsequently challenged those decisions before different judicial forums. A PTA member said 38 cases involving LDI companies are currently before the courts.
The authority has also approached the Attorney General of Pakistan regarding the litigation. While the Telecom Tribunal is expected to speed up telecom-related disputes, officials said affected companies can still challenge its decisions before the Supreme Court.
The committee also examined the proposed launch of satellite internet services, including Starlink. PTA Chairman said several satellite internet providers are interested in entering Pakistan, but operators must satisfy regulatory and national security conditions before receiving licences.
According to PTA’s written response, the Pakistan Space Activities Rules-2024 require satellite service providers to meet several conditions, including registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), registration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission/Board (PSARB), national security clearance and the relevant PTA licensing requirements.
Starlink has already registered with SECP as Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Starlink B.V. However, its PSARB registration remains incomplete.
PTA said Starlink can apply for a Fixed Satellite Service licence only after completing the required PSARB registration. It clarified that no Starlink licence application is currently pending before the authority.
The committee was also told that all Low Earth Orbit satellite operators must fulfil the applicable legal and regulatory requirements before beginning commercial operations in Pakistan.
