Richard Grenell, a close ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has called on Elon Musk to expand Starlink’s satellite internet service to Pakistan. Grenell’s appeal highlights the growing need for reliable internet access in Pakistan, where censorship and government restrictions have increasingly hindered access to global platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), which is now banned in the country.
Hammad Azhar, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), supported Grenell’s request, emphasizing the importance of Starlink to counter government-imposed limitations on accessing unbiased news. Currently, Pakistanis can only access X through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), adding to the challenges faced by citizens trying to stay informed.
Grenell has gained attention in Pakistan for his continued advocacy for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, particularly after a violent government crackdown on protesters in Islamabad on November 26. The crackdown aimed to disperse opposition members demanding Khan’s release, prompting Grenell to post on X, “Free Imran Khan!”
Also read: Pakistan Discusses Starlink Partnership Amid Internet Challenges, Plans 5G Auction
In parallel, Pakistan’s State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed that Elon Musk’s Starlink and China’s Shanghai Spacecom have applied for licenses to operate in the country. If approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), these services could revolutionize internet accessibility, especially in remote areas.
This development signals a potential turning point in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, bringing hope for greater internet freedom and connectivity.
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