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Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Satellite internet key to bridging Pakistan's digital divide: Shaza
ISLAMABAD: Satellite internet holds transformative potential to bridge Pakistan's digital divide, ensuring nationwide connectivity regardless of geography, said the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, while addressing the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) Industry Roundtable Conference. Terming the event more than a routine gathering, the minister described it as a forward-looking consultation that lays the foundation for future digital policies in Pakistan. 'This is not just a roundtable — it is the beginning of a roadmap for shaping the country's digital future,' she remarked. Highlighting the evolving role of connectivity, she stressed, 'Internet is no longer a luxury — it is a lifeline and a fundamental pillar of national progress.' The minister praised organisations such as the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and the Universal Service Fund (USF) for their role in expanding internet access to remote regions. 'These institutions are playing a key role in connecting the unconnected,' she noted. Referring to the Digital Nation Act, recently passed by the government, she called it a landmark achievement in the journey towards a digital economy, digital governance, and a digitally empowered society. She reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying, 'The prime minister envisions a fully digital Pakistan and chairs weekly meetings of the Cashless Economy Task Force to drive progress in this area.' Khawaja stressed that true digital development will only be realised when every citizen has access to stable and reliable internet services. 'Connectivity must be universal, trustworthy, and inclusive for real change to happen,' she said. She also highlighted the importance of a unified strategy for investor mapping and engagement, stating, 'We need collaborative action and real-time coordination with investors. Effective feedback loops and escalation mechanisms are essential for ensuring investor satisfaction.' In her closing remarks, the minister emphasised the need for public awareness and capacity-building. 'Along with infrastructure, we must invest in digital literacy to empower citizens to benefit from the opportunities the digital era brings,' she concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Satellite internet key to bridging country's digital divide: Shaza
ISLAMABAD: Satellite internet holds transformative potential to bridge Pakistan's digital divide, ensuring nationwide connectivity regardless of geography, said the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, while addressing the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) Industry Roundtable Conference. Terming the event more than a routine gathering, the minister described it as a forward-looking consultation that lays the foundation for future digital policies in Pakistan. 'This is not just a roundtable — it is the beginning of a roadmap for shaping the country's digital future,' she remarked. Highlighting the evolving role of connectivity, she stressed, 'Internet is no longer a luxury — it is a lifeline and a fundamental pillar of national progress.' The minister praised organisations such as the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and the Universal Service Fund (USF) for their role in expanding internet access to remote regions. 'These institutions are playing a key role in connecting the unconnected,' she noted. Referring to the Digital Nation Act, recently passed by the government, she called it a landmark achievement in the journey towards a digital economy, digital governance, and a digitally empowered society. She reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying, 'The prime minister envisions a fully digital Pakistan and chairs weekly meetings of the Cashless Economy Task Force to drive progress in this area.' Khawaja stressed that true digital development will only be realised when every citizen has access to stable and reliable internet services. 'Connectivity must be universal, trustworthy, and inclusive for real change to happen,' she said. She also highlighted the importance of a unified strategy for investor mapping and engagement, stating, 'We need collaborative action and real-time coordination with investors. Effective feedback loops and escalation mechanisms are essential for ensuring investor satisfaction.' In her closing remarks, the minister emphasised the need for public awareness and capacity-building. 'Along with infrastructure, we must invest in digital literacy to empower citizens to benefit from the opportunities the digital era brings,' she concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan all set for satellite internet as Starlink gets the nod
The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) on Friday approved the issuance of the no-objection certificate (NoC) to the US satellite-based internet provider, Starlink, a significant move that is set to bolster the country's digital landscape. Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Starlink had been granted temporary registration in Pakistan on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following the consensus among all security and regulatory bodies. According to sources, the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) was expected to issue the licence to Star-link in the next two weeks. However, they added that the company might take a year's time to start its services to the Pakistan consumers. Starlink, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, officially registered with Pakistan's Securities and Ex-change Commission (SECP) under the name Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited and applied for establishing two or three ground stations in the country. Starlink first submitted an application for a long-distance international (LDI) licence on February 24, 2022. Additionally, on April 29, 2022, it applied for 14 Local Loop licences, as it works towards providing satellite-based internet services. According to the PTA sources, the PSARB approved the issuance of NOC after the Starlink fulfilled all the requirements of the Space Regulatory Board (SRB) – the body that implements the National Satellite Policy, 2023, and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules, 2024. The approval by the PSARB is the second stage of getting the licence in Pakistan. The company had obtained registration from the SECP, and the Pakistan Software Export Board. Now, the PTA licence would be the final stage, after which it would start its services. IT Minister Khawaja said in a statement that the approval of satellite internet was a milestone for Pakistan's digital future. "The government has worked closely with all institutions under the 'whole of government' approach to bring improvement in the internet services," she said. "Modern solutions like satellite internet will greatly enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of Pakistan," she added. She expressed her optimism that Starlink's entry in Pakistan would formally launch satellite internet services, marking a new era in the country's digital connectivity.
