Senators Demand Elon Musk’s Background Check Before Starlink Launch in Pakistan

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, led by Senator Palwasha Khan, held a heated session on the future of Pakistan’s telecom sector. Lawmakers raised concerns about multiple issues, including the upcoming launch of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet in Pakistan.

Starlink has applied for an LDI license in the country. Senator Afnan Ullah accused Musk of running discriminatory campaigns against Pakistanis on social media. He questioned whether such a company should be allowed to operate locally. Senator Anusha Rahman added that Musk’s background must be checked thoroughly before granting any license.

The committee also summoned officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan and the Space Regulatory Authority for the next session. They plan to review other matters as well as Starlink’s licensing. Earlier this year, the committee criticized Musk for showing an anti-Pakistan stance. Lawmakers claimed he supported India against Pakistan to “push a false narrative.”

One senator suggested that Musk should issue a public apology before launching Starlink in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Secretary of IT clarified that Musk’s online comments were misleading and unrelated to Starlink’s licensing talks with Pakistan.

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