Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology members have insisted that Elon Musk issue a public apology for his alleged anti-Pakistan remarks before granting a license to Starlink.
The session, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, also addressed the status of Starlink’s pending security clearance and licensing application.
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Maj-Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman, the application of Starlink is still under consideration of the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board.
He said that SpaceX’s satellite internet service provider has been registered locally and intends to build its ground stations in Pakistan for the delivery of internet services.
However, the members of the committee had questions about a few recent social media comments from Musk regarding accusations against Pakistan.
Musk had been accused of supporting hostile narratives after endorsing controversial comments by Priyanka Chaturvedi, an Indian politician who blamed Pakistan for grooming gangs in the UK.
The committee asked whether a country should allow such a company to operate as it has a leader who encourages such views.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) said no license should be issued unless he publicly apologizes.
“The approval of Starlink must depend on Elon Musk retracting the statements and apologizing,” he said.
It may be noted that Starlink still needs regulatory approval to provide its satellite-based internet services in Pakistan.
The committee emphasized the importance of strict regulation due to the advancement of Starlink’s technology through low-earth orbit satellites and direct-to-consumer services.
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board has been entrusted with the duty of providing detailed updates on the licensing status of Starlink for the next committee meeting.
