NAROWAL: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday that Pakistan’s first astronaut would launch from China on November 25.
He announced the date at the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Punjab. He said China was supporting Pakistan’s space programme.
Preparations involve Pakistani astronaut candidates Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali. China’s human spaceflight authorities announced their selection on April 22 after a three-stage screening and assessment process.
After completing training and passing the required evaluations, one candidate is to join a mission as a payload specialist. The selected Pakistani would become the first foreign astronaut aboard China’s Tiangong space station.
Pakistan and China signed an astronaut selection, training and spaceflight cooperation agreement in February 2025.
Meanwhile, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is preparing experiments for the mission. Its planned research covers materials science, biotechnology and life sciences under microgravity conditions.
Officials have described the flight as part of a Shenzhou mission expected before the end of the year. Iqbal’s announcement provides a specific date for Pakistan’s participation.
Separately, the minister outlined a target for Pakistan to achieve a lunar landing by 2035. He linked the country’s space research ambitions to continued cooperation with China.
Read: Pakistani Astronaut Chinese Space Station Mission Agreement Signed
Iqbal described space technology as important for agriculture, communications and national security. He urged greater attention to scientific education and opportunities for young researchers.
Referring to the Quran’s encouragement to reflect on the universe, he called for scientific curiosity and learning.
He also announced plans for Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal to encourage interest in space science and technology.
