Pakistan’s First Astronaut to Train for Space Mission Under Historic Pact with China

Pakistan and China have signed a historic agreement for space research cooperation, paving the way for Pakistan’s first astronaut to train and embark on a mission to the Chinese space station.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significance of CPEC in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and highlighted the importance of China’s support in space exploration. He termed the agreement a symbol of strong Pak-China friendship and scientific collaboration.

According to SUPARCO, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training at China’s Astronaut Center, and the selection process will be completed by 2026. The astronaut will be trained as a scientific payload specialist and will conduct advanced scientific experiments in space.

Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar stated that Pakistan’s flag will soon be seen in space, while Minister Ahsan Iqbal described the agreement as a milestone in Pakistan’s technological advancement.

China’s Director General reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international cooperation in space research. This agreement will strengthen scientific ties between the two countries and provide Pakistani youth with new opportunities to acquire cutting-edge technological skills.