Starlink has applied to launch internet services in Pakistan and was awaiting government approval, tech billionaire Elon Musk said on Saturday as the country continues to face internet problems for the past many months amid reports of firewall installation.

“We are waiting for approval from the government,” he said in response to a Pakistani user request to launch the international telecommunications provider service in the country.

In a post on X, the Pakistani user expressed hope that Starlink could propel Pakistan into a future where every citizen has access to connectivity and opportunities for growth. The user urged Musk, stating, “Please, let Starlink be our bridge to tomorrow.”

The availability map on Starlink’s website also shows that Pakistan was on the waitlist for its services.

Musk’s company’s internet service is available in 86 countries, according to the company.

On the same social media platform, IT and Telecom Staet Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the satellite-based internet-providing company had been registered in Pakistan.

She said while responding to queries regarding the status of Starlink’s entry into Pakistan’s internet business on the social media platform, saying, “It is registered, and the licensing is in process.”

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A Pakistani user claimed that the country had officially “approved Starlink!” The user emphasized the importance of launching the transformative internet service, stating, “Now is the perfect time to bring your transformative internet service to our nation. Millions await the connectivity, education, and opportunities Starlink could offer. Please, expedite Starlink’s launch in Pakistan.”

Musk’s indication of plans to introduce Starlink in Pakistan comes at a critical moment, as the nation was recently reported to be the most affected by internet outages in 2024. According to Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer, the global internet disruption last year totaled 88,788 hours, resulting in a financial loss of $7.69 billion.

The report highlighted that Pakistan suffered the most, with losses estimated at $1.62 billion, followed closely by Myanmar at $1.58 billion and Sudan at $1.12 billion.