The acquisition of a licence in Pakistan has emerged as a major challenge for Starlink, as concerned authorities have raised a series of questions regarding its role.
Sources said on Saturday that Starlink would first have to remove all reservations in order to secure a licence in Pakistan, and provide assurances of compliance with strict conditions and laws.
They warned that the availability of Starlink services to miscreants in Balochistan and other areas could prove dangerous.
Authorities expressed the view that internet services operating beyond government control would pose a threat to national security.
Officials maintained that, without effective oversight, satellite internet could lead to data theft, espionage and wider security risks.
Sources added that the decision to introduce satellite internet would no longer rest on technical grounds alone, but would also be determined on security considerations.
Parliamentary committees have already voiced serious concerns over Starlink.
Sources said that a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework for satellite internet services remained essential for national security, adding that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) was in the process of finalising such a framework.
