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

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, held a heated meeting on the future of Pakistan’s telecom sector, raising questions over several issues, including the launch of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet in Pakistan. Starlink has recently applied for an LDI license in Pakistan. Senator Afnan Ullah accused Musk of running discriminatory campaigns against Pakistanis on social media and questioned whether such a company should be allowed to operate in the country. “Before granting a license, his background must be thoroughly examined,” Senator Anusha Rahman added. The committee has summoned officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan and the Space Regulatory Authority for the next session to further deliberate on other issues, as well as the licensing of Starlink. Earlier this year, the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom had accused Musk of having an anti-Pakistan stance due to his comments about launching the satellite service in the country. Musk, who is the CEO of SpaceX, which provides Starlink internet, was also accused of siding with India against Pakistan to “push a false narrative.” One senator suggested that Musk should issue a public apology before he is allowed to launch Starlink in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Secretary of IT said that Musk’s comments online were misleading and had nothing to do with the two sides bringing Starlink to Pakistan.