NAROWAL, Pakistan: Pakistan’s first astronaut will undertake a space mission from a Chinese space centre on November 25, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday.
The planning minister made the announcement while addressing the concluding ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal, held in collaboration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the planning ministry said in a statement.
The minister said the country was aiming to achieve a lunar landing by 2035, expressing hope that Pakistan’s cooperation with China would help it “reach new heights in space exploration”.
In his address at the ceremony, the planning minister highlighted the importance of space technology in agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education and national security.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that scientific research and space exploration were essential for technological advancement, the ministry’s statement said.
The minister further noted that Muslim scholars had once made significant contributions to astronomy and scientific discovery, calling for renewed efforts to restore Pakistan’s leadership in knowledge and research.
The astronaut will be one of the two — pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud— China selected in April this year as candidates for its manned space programme and who have been undergoing intensive training in Beijing.
The astronaut will fly aboard a Chinese-built spacecraft, launched from a Chinese site, trained by Chinese instructors and communicating in Mandarin in orbit.
Highlighting the achievements of young Pakistanis, the minister congratulated the University of Narowal on securing first position at the Islamabad Science Festival, describing the achievement as a reflection of the talent and potential of the country’s youth.
He said improved access to higher education was enabling students who had previously faced financial barriers to achieve distinction.
He also announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first Space Museum at the University of Narowal to promote scientific awareness and inspire the next generation to pursue space science and technology.
