ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will be hiring a consultant to finalize regulations regarding satellite-based Internet services in the country, its information technology (IT) ministry said on Monday.
The statement came after State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review progress on licensing of Starlink Services, owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, and regulatory frameworks for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Pakistan, a country of over 240 million, has witnessed up to 40 percent drop in Internet speeds in the last few months, according to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP).
The drop came as the federal government last year moved to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content and protect government networks from cyberattacks, with IT associations saying the slowdowns have resulted in significant losses.
“During the meeting, it was decided that consultant hiring will be completed in a few weeks, for regulations,” the Pakistani IT ministry said.
“The minister emphasized the need for aligning Pakistan’s policies with global standards to unlock satellite technology’s full potential for national growth.”
Pakistan suffered a total of $1.62 billion losses due to Internet outages and social media shutdowns in 2024, according to a report by global Internet monitor Top10VPN.com, surpassing losses in war-torn countries like Sudan and Myanmar.
The report, released on Jan. 2, said Pakistan experienced 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions that affected 82.9 million users, with elections and protests cited as the primary causes.
The IT state minister last month confirmed that Pakistan was in talks with Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite Internet services to the country.
“Discussions [at Monday’s meeting] focused on expediting these processes to ensure a robust regulatory framework for LEO satellites, enhancing connectivity, and driving technological innovation,” the IT ministry added.
Pakistan also plans to enhance its Internet speeds and connectivity by linking up with the 2Africa submarine cable later this year, according to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), which regulates Internet in the South Asian country.
2Africa, one of the world’s largest submarine cable systems, spans 45,000 kilometers and connects 46 locations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, offering speeds of up to 180 Tbps.
Pakistan to hire consultant in few weeks for regulatory framework on satellite-based Internet
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Pakistan to hire consultant in few weeks for regulatory framework on satellite-based Internet
- Pakistan, a country of more than 240 million, has witnessed up to 40 percent drop in Internet speeds in the last few months
- The country is in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite Internet provider, plans to link up with 2Africa submarine cable
Saudi-backed Wafi Energy Pakistan announces 7.5 percent increase in profits last year
- Wafi Energy Pakistan operates one of country’s largest fuel retail, lubricants networks
- The company is also planning a Dubai-based subsidiary to expand its commercial activities
KARACHI: Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia-based Wafi Energy Holding, on Friday announced a Rs3.54 billion ($12.6 million) profit last year, marking a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year.
In 2025, Wafi Energy acquired Shell Pakistan and added 35 new retail sites to its network, including a second eco-friendly Shell site built with recycled plastic, bringing the Shell retail network to over 680 sites nationwide.
The lubricants business continued strong performance across both consumer and industrial segments and Wafi Energy said had continued its growth in indirect and process oil segments, besides expanding its mining portfolio.
“We delivered a strong business performance in 2025 and importantly, we did so while investing to grow. Our focus through the year was clear – to expand in priority growth areas, establish Wafi Energy in Pakistan and strengthen the Shell customer experience,” Zubair Shaikh, Wafi Energy Pakistan’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.
“In 2026, our ambition is to accelerate growth, build shareholder value and continue investing in the energy future for Pakistan.”
Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, formerly Shell Pakistan Limited, operates one of the country’s largest fuel retail and lubricants networks. Shell plc divested its majority stake in 2024, after which the company was rebranded under Saudi ownership while continuing to market fuels and lubricants under the Shell brand.
The company said it remains focused on operational excellence and growth.
“The company is also advancing its investment strategy by planning a Dubai-based subsidiary to expand commercial activities and strengthen its regional presence,” it said.
“This strategic move underscores Wafi Energy’s commitment to sustainable growth and expanding its footprint.”
