Starlink service has not yet fully started in Pakistan due to a combination of regulatory hurdles, technical requirements, and strategic considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
* Temporary vs. Permanent Registration/Licensing: While Starlink received temporary registration from the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) in March 2025, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to issue a full operational license until Starlink completes all regulatory and technical requirements for permanent registration with PSARB. This distinction is a major point of delay.
* Complex Regulatory Framework: Pakistan has introduced new regulations, including the National Satellite Policy (2023) and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules (2024), to govern satellite telecommunications. Starlink needs to comply with these comprehensive frameworks, which adds layers of complexity to the licensing process.
* Security Clearances and Concerns: National security is a primary concern for Pakistan. Authorities are carefully reviewing Starlink’s operations to ensure it doesn’t compromise national security by creating loopholes for cyberattacks, espionage, or interference with critical infrastructure. There are also concerns about how satellite services could be used to bypass regulations on sensitive topics or in security-sensitive areas. Starlink needs to secure all necessary security clearances.
* Technical Requirements and Interference: The PTA and other stakeholders like the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and SUPARCO have raised concerns about potential interference between Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and existing communication infrastructure, particularly Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO) systems. Starlink needs to ensure its operations do not disrupt existing networks and that its uplinks and downlinks are compatible.
* Establishment of Ground Stations: For Starlink to operate effectively in Pakistan, it needs to set up ground stations within the country. This involves significant infrastructure installations and logistical challenges.
* Integration with Existing Telecom Ecosystem: Ensuring seamless integration with Pakistan’s current telecom networks is another crucial aspect.
* Pricing Concerns: While not a direct cause of the delay in regulatory approval, the high pricing of Starlink’s hardware and monthly subscription fees could be a challenge for widespread adoption among average Pakistani consumers, even once services are launched.
* Potential Resistance from Local ISPs: Existing internet service providers in Pakistan may view Starlink’s entry as a threat to their market share, potentially leading to lobbying efforts or other forms of resistance that could indirectly impact the regulatory process.
Despite these challenges, Starlink has been preparing its infrastructure, and Pakistani officials have indicated ongoing discussions to finalize the regulatory framework. While an official launch date is still pending, some reports have suggested a potential launch by November 2025 if all legal and regulatory conditions are met.

The high failure rate in Pakistan’s Civil Superior Services (CSS) exam is a persistent issue, with multiple contributing factors. Here’s a breakdown of the main reasons:
1. Weak English Language and Writing Skills:
* Poor Grammar and Composition: Many candidates struggle with basic English grammar, sentence structure, and coherent expression, which are crucial for the English Essay and English (Precis and Composition) papers – often the subjects where most candidates fail.
* Lack of Analytical and Critical Thinking: The exam demands more than rote memorization. Candidates often fail to analyze issues critically, develop strong arguments, and present their ideas with clarity and logical structure.
* Insufficient Writing Practice: Many aspirants do not practice writing full-length answers or essays under timed conditions, leading to slow writing speed, poorly structured responses, and incomplete papers in the actual exam.
* Reliance on Memorization over Understanding: Students often prioritize memorizing facts and information rather than developing a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to articulate their own reasoned perspectives.
2. Inadequate Preparation and Study Habits:
* Unstructured Preparation: Many students lack a proper strategic plan for their preparation, leading to disorganized study and inefficient use of time.
* Outdated Resources: Reliance on brief summaries, guidebooks, or outdated class notes is common. These resources often lack the depth, critical perspective, and updated information required to excel.
* Overloading New Topics: Attempting to cover excessive new material close to the exam instead of focusing on revision can disrupt retention and cause mental exhaustion.
* Poor Subject Selection: Candidates sometimes choose optional subjects based on trends or perceived scoring potential, rather than their prior knowledge or interest, leading to poor performance.
3. Systemic and Educational Challenges:
* Outdated Examination System: Critics argue that the CSS exam system is outdated and doesn’t adequately assess modern skills needed for civil service, with a lack of dedicated cadres for crucial modern sectors like technology or finance.
* Focus on Theoretical Evaluation: The exam heavily emphasizes theoretical knowledge through long essays and extensive syllabi, which may not fully reflect a candidate’s aptitude for practical administration.
* Quality of Coaching Academies: While many candidates rely on coaching academies, some officials criticize these institutions for promoting rote learning and memorization of likely questions rather than encouraging critical thinking and originality.
* Lack of Quality Teachers: The broader education system in Pakistan may not effectively prepare students with the necessary English language and analytical skills required for the CSS exam.
* Societal Pressure and Expectations: The immense societal and familial pressure associated with the CSS exam can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and self-doubt among candidates, hindering their performance.
* Low Passing Rate: The consistently low passing rate (often around 2-3%) itself creates a sense of discouragement and intensifies the pressure on aspirants.
4. Other Factors:
* Time Management Issues: Many candidates struggle with managing their time effectively during preparation and in the actual exam.
* Lack of Originality: Over-reliance on pre-packaged answers or ideas from guidebooks can stifle originality and creative thought, which examiners often look for.
* Test Anxiety: The fear of underperformance can lead to anxiety and loss of focus, impacting a candidate’s ability to perform effectively.
In essence, a combination of individual preparation deficiencies, systemic educational shortcomings, and the demanding nature of the exam itself contributes to the high failure rate in Pakistan’s civil service examination.

As of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, here are the approximate gold prices in Pakistan:
* 24K Gold Per Tola: Approximately PKR 351,800 – PKR 356,283
* 24K Gold Per 10 Grams: Approximately PKR 301,620 – PKR 306,108
* 24K Gold Per Gram: Approximately PKR 30,162 – PKR 30,610
Please note that gold prices can fluctuate throughout the day and may vary slightly depending on the city and local bullion markets.