Key points
- China has already provided Pakistan with two Hualong One reactors
- Each capable of generating over 10 billion kWh of electricity annually
- These reactors mark China’s first nuclear export project
ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan are deepening their strategic partnership by expanding technological cooperation into advanced fields such as nuclear energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence (AI), Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced during a week-long visit to China.
Speaking at the Pakistani embassy in Beijing, Iqbal revealed that discussions with top Chinese officials included extending peaceful nuclear cooperation to areas like agriculture, and further collaboration on Pakistan’s growing space ambitions.
Moon mission
“Pakistan plans to land a rover on the moon by 2035, with Chinese support,” said Iqbal, noting that Pakistan’s space agency Suparco will join China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission in 2029. The mission aims to explore the moon’s south pole—a region of significant scientific interest.
China has already provided Pakistan with two Hualong One reactors at Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, each capable of generating over 10 billion kWh of electricity annually, according to South China Morning Post.
These reactors mark China’s first nuclear export project and reflect increasing trust in the bilateral relationship.
Cooperation in AI
Iqbal also confirmed expanded cooperation in AI and emerging technologies like quantum computing. China has agreed to help train Pakistani scientists and engineers, with support from institutions involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 initiative. Pakistan has since established several national centres focused on advanced technologies, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and nanotechnology.
During his trip, Iqbal witnessed the launch of Pakistan’s Remote Sensing Satellite-1 from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, a step aimed at enhancing the country’s capabilities in land monitoring and disaster response.
Visiting Chinese firms such as ZTE and China Road and Bridge Corporation, Iqbal emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to building a strong knowledge-based economy, calling for the Islamic world to reclaim its role in global innovation.
