PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering reaching out to Elon Musk’s Starlink to resolve the ongoing internet issues in the province.
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Science and Technology, said that if the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) fails to resolve the issue, the provincial government will formally write a letter to Musk, requesting access to Starlink’s satellite internet services.
Dr. Ayaz explained that the slow internet speed in the province, including 4G and Wi-Fi, has badly affected the IT sector, which is a major source of income for freelancers, entrepreneurs and women engaged in online businesses.
He stressed that reliable internet is essential to sustain these projects and prevent further financial losses.
The provincial government had earlier raised the issue with PTA officials, who visited the IT department in Peshawar and suggested technical solutions. Despite these discussions, no significant improvement was achieved.
Dr. Ayaz criticized the federal government for ignoring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s connectivity needs, citing political motives behind the delay. He added that Starlink could provide a game-changing alternative, ensuring high-speed internet for the province and supporting the development of its digital economy.
