Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut into space on November 25 from a Chinese space centre, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced during the concluding ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal.
The mission marks a significant step in Pakistan-China space cooperation, with Islamabad also setting an ambitious target of landing on the Moon by 2035 and expanding investment in scientific research and space technology.
Addressing the ceremony on Sunday, Iqbal said Pakistan’s partnership with China would help the country reach new heights in space exploration.
The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives said in a press release that the minister had reaffirmed Pakistan’s ambition to achieve a lunar landing by 2035.
Pakistan’s planned human spaceflight is part of broader cooperation with Beijing, which is preparing Pakistani candidates for a mission aboard its Tiangong space station.
Two Pakistani pilots undergoing training in China
Astronaut candidates, pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, were selected by China in April from a group of finalists drawn from an initial pool of Pakistani pilots and scientists.
According to Reuters, the two candidates have undergone intensive training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing. Their preparation includes Chinese-language instruction, spacecraft systems and training for the microgravity conditions and g-forces experienced during launch.
Amer Gilani, who oversees human spaceflight cooperation at the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), told Reuters last month that a final decision on the astronaut selection was expected in mid-to-late October.
China has yet to identify which of the two candidates will travel to space.
The selected astronaut will become the first Pakistani to travel aboard China’s Tiangong space station and the first foreign astronaut to undertake a mission there under this programme.
Pakistani astronaut to conduct scientific experiments
The selected candidate will serve as a “payload specialist”, a role focused on carrying out scientific experiments in orbit rather than operating the spacecraft.
According to a SUPARCO official quoted by Reuters, the astronaut will spend approximately one week in space conducting Pakistani scientific experiments.
The mission will involve a Chinese-built spacecraft launched from a Chinese site, with training provided by Chinese instructors. The astronaut is also expected to communicate in Mandarin while in orbit.
The mission is intended to strengthen Pakistan’s scientific capabilities and provide an opportunity to conduct research in the space environment.
Pakistan targets Moon landing by 2035
Iqbal reiterated Pakistan’s ambition to achieve a lunar landing by 2035, describing scientific research and space exploration as essential to technological progress.
He highlighted the growing importance of satellite and space technology in agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education and national security.
The minister said satellite technology had become one of the world’s most critical technologies, adding that Pakistan’s own national security system was closely linked to it.
He also noted that international space ambitions were expanding beyond lunar exploration, with discussions increasingly focusing on the possibility of establishing human settlements on Mars.
“If we do not conduct research, we will fall behind in the race for development,” Iqbal warned.
Pakistan and China are also cooperating on a Pakistani-built lunar rover expected to be carried by China’s Chang’e 8 lunar mission around 2028. The project forms part of the two countries’ wider collaboration in space research and lunar exploration.
Ahsan Iqbal calls for revival of research culture
During his address in Narowal, Iqbal stressed the importance of encouraging young people to ask questions, pursue knowledge and develop the curiosity needed for scientific discovery.
He said the Holy Quran encouraged reflection on the creation of the universe, reinforcing the importance of learning, scientific inquiry and research.
The minister also recalled the historic contributions of Muslim scholars to astronomy and scientific discovery, calling for renewed efforts to restore Pakistan’s leadership in knowledge and research.
“Pakistan will have to regain the leadership in knowledge and research that was once our identity,” he said.
Iqbal added that scientific research and space exploration were essential for technological advancement and the pursuit of knowledge.
First Space Museum planned at University of Narowal
Iqbal announced that resources had been arranged to establish what he described as Pakistan’s first Space Museum at the University of Narowal.
The proposed museum is intended to promote scientific awareness and inspire young Pakistanis to pursue space science and technology.
He also announced that construction of a centre for advanced technology and emerging sciences at the university would begin this year. According to the minister, the project had remained confined to official files during the previous government’s tenure.
World Space Week 2026 was celebrated in Narowal for the first time under the minister’s vision, in collaboration with SUPARCO. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among young people about space science, scientific research and modern technology.
