ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has granted temporary registration to Starlink, a satellite Internet service by SpaceX that promises high-speed connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, state media reported on Friday.
The move comes as the international company, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, applied to secure a full operating license in Pakistan, where demand for improved Internet access remains high.
Musk, who has drawn global attention for his proximity to US President Donald Trump and controversial political stances, has pushed to expand Starlink’s footprint globally despite regulatory hurdles in several countries.
“With the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC),” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency said while quoting an official statement.
APP said the decision was described by Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja as part of the government’s initiative to enhance the country’s Internet infrastructure.
“Starlink’s registration is a major step forward in this journey,” she continued.
The IT minister said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would oversee compliance with fee payments and other licensing requirements by the company.
“Modern solutions like satellite Internet will greatly enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the country,” she added, calling the approval a milestone.
Khawaja highlighted the Pakistani administration adopted a “whole-of-government” approach, working in close collaboration with all relevant institutions to facilitate Starlink’s registration process.
She also acknowledged the respective roles played by cybercrime and security agencies, the PTA and the country’s space agency in this regard.
The minister expressed optimism that Starlink’s entry into Pakistan would formally launch satellite Internet services and bridge the digital divide.
Elon Musk’s Starlink gets temporary go-ahead to boost Internet access in Pakistan
https://arab.news/86qc5
Elon Musk’s Starlink gets temporary go-ahead to boost Internet access in Pakistan
- Country’s IT minister calls it a ‘milestone’ development that will enhance Pakistan’s Internet infrastructure
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja says the decision was taken with the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies
Pakistan’s largest Islamic bank signs Kazakhstan deal to support bilateral trade
- Meezan Bank signs MoU with Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit Banks outlining framework for collaboration in trade finance, cross-border payments
- Both aim to improve access to banking channels, support exporters and importers, explore new opportunities through the agreement, says Meezan
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Meezan Bank, the country’s largest Islamic one, announced this week that it has signed an agreement with Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit (BCC) to strengthen banking ties and boost the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries.
Meezan Bank has over 1,000 branches located in over 300 cities across the country. The BCC, on the other hand, is counted among Kazakhstan’s largest commercial banks and provides services such as trade finance, retail banking and corporate banking, among others.
The two banks signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines a framework for collaboration in trade finance, cross-border payments and facilitation of financial services for corporate and commercial clients operating between the two markets, Meezan said in a press release on Monday.
“This MoU represents an important milestone in strengthening financial ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan,” Muhammad Abdullah Ahmed, Meezan Bank’s group head of transactions and international banking department, said in a statement.
“Enhanced correspondent banking cooperation will play a vital role in supporting bilateral trade and fostering closer economic relations.”
Meezan Bank said through the collaboration, both banks aim to improve access to banking channels, support exporters and importers and explore new opportunities to foster economic cooperation.
“We are pleased to partner with our Pakistani counterparts to expand correspondent banking services and explore new opportunities for collaboration,” Ruslan Vladimiro, BCC president, was quoted as saying by Meezan Bank.
“This partnership will help create more efficient and secure banking channels for businesses and financial institutions in both countries.”
Meezan said both banks reaffirmed their commitment to operating in line with international regulatory, compliance and risk management standards.
Pakistan enjoy cordial ties with Kazakhstan and was among the first countries to recognize it in 1991. According to Kazakhstan’s government, the bilateral trade volume between the two sides amounted to $53.7 million in 2024.
Pakistan’s exports to Kazakhstan include citrus fruits, pharmaceutical products, garments, soap, sports equipment and gear. Kazakhstan’s exports to Pakistan primarily include onions and garlic, dried leguminous vegetables, oats, buckwheat and other cereal grains.
