ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Billionaire Elon Musk announced Saturday that Starlink has applied to launch its internet services in Pakistan but is awaiting government approval.

Musk responded to a post by Sanam Jamali, a Pakistani netizen, who praised the potential impact of Starlink in transforming connectivity in Pakistan.

"Starlink could leap Pakistan into the future, where every citizen has the chance to connect and grow," she wrote, urging Musk to bring the service to the country.

In a follow-up post, Jamali claimed Pakistan had approved Starlink's application and appealed to Musk to expedite the launch.

"Millions await the connectivity, education, and opportunities Starlink could offer," she said.

Musk's confirmation comes as Pakistan grapples with significant internet challenges.

The South Asian nation topped the list of countries most affected by internet outages in 2024, according to a report by Top10VPN.com.

The report documented 88,788 hours of global internet disruption last year, causing an estimated $7.69 billion in financial losses.

Pakistan was the hardest-hit nation, with losses totaling $1.62 billion, followed by Myanmar ($1.58 billion) and Sudan ($1.12 billion).

If approved, Starlink’s satellite-based internet service could provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, improving connectivity and expanding opportunities for millions across the country. — Agencies