Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, praised the potential of Starlink services — which are expected to launch in the country by the end of this year — as a significant step toward bridging Pakistan’s digital divide. The remarks were made during his visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Starlink, owned by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, is among the world’s most advanced companies providing internet through low-Earth orbit satellites. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently confirmed that Starlink services are anticipated to be operational in Pakistan before the year ends.
During the visit, Ambassador Sheikh and his delegation were briefed on the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and SpaceX. Discussions highlighted the “transformative” potential of Starlink’s satellite infrastructure and SpaceX’s commercial capabilities to enhance Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
The delegation was received by the Vice President of Starlink Global Business Operations and the Director of Global Business Development. A guided tour of the company’s headquarters was also provided.
Key discussions focused on expanding broadband connectivity and improving national internet access, particularly in underserved and remote regions of Pakistan.
Ambassador Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting innovation through strategic international partnerships. He expressed optimism that such collaborations would lead to substantial progress in space technology, digital infrastructure, and commercial innovation.
This visit is part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between Pakistan’s and the United States’ private IT sectors.
Last month, the IT minister revealed that Starlink had been granted a provisional license to deliver satellite-based internet services in Pakistan. She also mentioned that Chinese company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology has applied for a similar licence, emphasizing that the government is fostering healthy competition in the satellite internet sector.
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