BEIJING: Two Pakistani astronauts have arrived in China and begun training at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s space ambitions.
The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have been selected as the first foreign astronauts to undergo training for China’s space missions.
Following completion of training and evaluations, one of the two is expected to join a future mission as a payload specialist, potentially becoming the first foreign astronaut aboard the Tiangong space station.
The development comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the astronauts in Islamabad, congratulating them on their historic selection and calling the mission a “milestone” for the country.
Off to space and beyond!
It was a pleasure meeting Commander Khurram Dawood and Wg Cdr Muhammad Zeeshan Ali today. I congratulated them on their historic selection as the first Pakistani astronauts to train for China’s space station missions.
This remarkable achievement… pic.twitter.com/1o45LXaHez
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 23, 2026
Sharif said the opportunity reflects Pakistan’s growing capabilities and highlighted the role of bilateral cooperation with China in advancing space technology.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the immense talent of our people and the growing strength of Pakistan–China cooperation,” he said in a statement.
Officials present at the meeting included senior cabinet members, representatives from SUPARCO, and China’s ambassador to Pakistan, underscoring the significance of the collaboration.
The astronauts described the mission as a matter of national pride and pledged to work diligently to meet the expectations of the country.
The initiative marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s space programme and signals deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Beijing in high-tech sectors.
