BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, during a high-level meeting in Beijing with Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority and China’s Space Agency, announced that Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station in 2026.
The discussions centered on expanding collaboration in nuclear energy and space technology, aligning these efforts with Pakistan’s broader national development priorities. Minister Iqbal acknowledged that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a pivotal role in overcoming infrastructure and energy challenges in Pakistan, and emphasized that cooperation in nuclear energy continues to strengthen. He cited the K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as flagship projects of this strategic partnership.
Highlighting recent progress in Pakistan’s space ambitions, Iqbal noted that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the national space program has gained renewed momentum. He introduced the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which is focused on accelerating advancements in space sciences. He also pointed out the successful launch of three satellites in partnership with China and revealed that Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, has been tasked with executing a lunar mission by 2035.
The minister also underscored the strength of Pakistan’s human capital, noting the availability of highly skilled technical talent at relatively low cost. He encouraged China to collaborate in upskilling this workforce, which could be mutually beneficial.
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Furthermore, he informed the Chinese side of Pakistan’s recent establishment of a Quantum Computing Center aimed at addressing future technological challenges. He emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between China’s Atomic Energy Commission, SUPARCO, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, especially for peaceful applications of advanced technologies.
Iqbal added that the Pakistani government has launched a national strategy to align science, technology, and engineering with long-term development goals. He called for expanding academic exchange programs to provide young Pakistani scientists with greater opportunities for higher education and research in space technologies through Chinese institutions.