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.

In Pakistan’s unique automotive market, investors or individuals who book new vehicles often look to earn profits primarily through a phenomenon known as “own money” or “premium.” This practice is a direct result of the chronic demand-supply gap and other market inefficiencies.

Here’s how those who invest in new vehicles through booking in Pakistan typically try to earn profits:

1. Selling with “Own Money” (Premium):
   • The Core Strategy: This is the most common and significant way profits are made. Due to long delivery times for new cars (sometimes months or even over a year, depending on the model and demand) and limited production by local assemblers, there’s a strong demand for immediate delivery.
   • How it Works:
     1. An individual or investor books a new car from an authorized dealer by paying the initial booking amount.
     2. They receive an estimated delivery date, which is often far in the future.
     3. Before the car is delivered, or immediately upon receiving it, they sell the booking or the newly delivered car to an eager buyer who is unwilling to wait for the official delivery period.
     4. This buyer pays the original car price plus an additional amount, known as “own money” or “premium,” for immediate delivery.
     5. The “investor” pockets this “own money” as profit.
   • Factors Contributing to “Own Money”:
     • Long Delivery Times: This is the primary driver. People need cars quickly for personal use, business, or rental purposes.
     • Limited Production Capacity: Local manufacturers often operate below their full capacity, leading to a shortage of vehicles.
     • High Demand: A growing middle class, rising income levels (at times), and changing lifestyles fuel demand.
     • Frequent Price Increases: Automakers in Pakistan frequently increase car prices due to currency devaluation (Pakistani Rupee depreciating against the US Dollar, as many components are imported), rising input costs, and new taxes. An investor booking a car at an older, lower price can sell it at a higher “market price” (inclusive of “own money”) when prices inevitably rise by the time of delivery.
     • Speculation: The expectation of “own money” itself fuels more speculative bookings, further exacerbating the demand-supply imbalance.
     • Government Policies/Taxes: Changes in government duties, taxes (like GST hikes), or import policies can instantly make existing bookings more valuable.
2. Rental Business / Ride-Hailing Services:
   • Some investors purchase multiple vehicles, not for immediate resale with “own money,” but to establish or expand a car rental business or to operate them through ride-hailing platforms like Uber or Careem (though these platforms might have specific vehicle requirements and profitability varies greatly based on driver performance, fuel costs, and maintenance).
   • This is a longer-term investment where profit is earned through monthly rental income, but it involves operational costs and management.
3. Capitalizing on Price Fluctuations (Less Common for New Bookings):
   • While “own money” is about immediate demand for new cars, some might try to profit from general car market trends. If they anticipate a significant price hike or a supply crunch, they might book a car with the intention of selling it later at a higher official price (if allowed by booking terms) or with an even higher “own money” premium.

Impact and Criticisms:

This “own money” phenomenon is widely criticized in Pakistan for several reasons:

• Exploitation of Consumers: It forces genuine buyers to pay inflated prices.
• Market Distortion: It creates an artificial demand and contributes to price instability.
• Unfair Practices: It raises questions about ethical business practices within the automotive industry and dealership networks.
• Tax Evasion: The “own money” component is often transacted unofficially, leading to undeclared income and tax evasion.
• Hindrance to Local Industry: While local assemblers often benefit from the high demand, the practice of “own money” also highlights their failure to meet market demand efficiently, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and calls for increased imports or production.

The government and regulatory bodies have attempted to curb the “own money” practice through various measures, such as requiring buyers to be filers (taxpayers) for car purchases, increasing booking periods, and making it harder to transfer bookings, but the underlying supply-demand gap and economic instability often lead to its persistence.