ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recommended issuing licenses to satellite internet providers, including Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, as part of efforts to improve internet connectivity in remote areas and along the country’s motorway network.

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Who recommended the licensing of Starlink and OneWeb in Pakistan?

The recommendation was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, where PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman briefed lawmakers on the country’s progress towards introducing satellite broadband services.

PTA Chairman on internet service in Pakistan

The PTA chairman said satellite internet has become an important solution for delivering reliable broadband services in underserved regions where expanding conventional telecom infrastructure is both expensive and technically challenging.

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According to the chairman, the PTA has completed the required technical and regulatory preparations and has forwarded its recommendations to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for further consideration.

He pointed to Nepal as an example of a country that has successfully used satellite internet services to strengthen nationwide connectivity, particularly in geographically challenging areas.

The process of obtaining registration

The chairman explained that satellite internet providers will first need to obtain registration from the Space Activities Regulatory Board before they can apply for telecommunications licences from the PTA to launch commercial operations in Pakistan.

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Pakistan has been working on a regulatory framework for satellite broadband as part of its broader strategy to extend high-speed internet access beyond urban centres and bridge the country’s digital divide.

If approved, the move could pave the way for global satellite internet providers to begin offering services in Pakistan, expanding broadband availability in areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks remain limited.

Key Points:

• PTA has recommended licensing satellite internet providers including Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
• The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
• Satellite internet is intended to improve connectivity in remote regions and along motorways.
• Operators will first require registration with the Space Activities Regulatory Board before obtaining PTA licences.
• PTA cited Nepal as an example of successful satellite broadband deployment.
• The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand high-speed internet access and reduce the digital divide.

KARACHI – On July 16, 2026, gold prices in Pakistan increased, following the upward trend in international markets.

According to the Saraffa Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola increased to Rs 428,000 after a rise of Rs 1000, while the rate for 10 grams was Rs 366,090.

Note: It is pertinent to mention here that Upfront News in no way claims these rates to be accurate at all times, as the prices can continuously vary.

KARACHI – Foreign currency exchange rates for US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UK Pound Sterling, U.A.E. Dirham, Euro, and other currencies in Pakistan open market on July 16, 2026. The US Dollar’s buying rate stands at Rs 279.05, and the selling rate at Rs 279.2.

Several other currencies, which include the Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Danish Krone (DKK), Japanese Yen (JPY), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and Swiss Franc (CHF), showed no significant change in their rates compared to the previous update.