Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has hailed the transformative potential of Starlink services — expected to be operational in Pakistan by the end of this year — as a key step towards bridging the country’s digital divide.
The remarks came during his visit to the SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Starlink, a satellite-based internet service owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions. The ambassador, accompanied by a delegation, was briefed on ongoing collaboration efforts between Pakistan and SpaceX. Discussions focused on how Starlink’s LEO infrastructure, combined with SpaceX’s commercial capabilities, could help transform Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
The delegation was received by Starlink’s Vice President of Global Business Operations and the Director of Global Business Development. A guided tour of the headquarters was also provided, showcasing SpaceX’s cutting-edge technology and future potential in the field of satellite internet.
During the visit, both sides explored strategies for expanding broadband access and enhancing connectivity, particularly in Pakistan’s remote and underprivileged areas. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting innovation through strategic international partnerships. He expressed hope that engagements like this would lead to tangible cooperation in space technology, digital infrastructure, and commercial innovation.
The development is part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between Pakistan’s and the United States’ private IT sectors.
Last month, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Starlink had been granted a provisional licence to offer its services in Pakistan. She added that the government expects the services to be available by the end of 2025. The minister also disclosed that Chinese firm Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology had applied for a similar satellite internet licence, noting that the government is actively encouraging competition in the sector.
