The first Pakistani astronaut, Namira Salim, is fully prepared to begin herspace journey this year. She has already achieved the status of anastronaut and is expected to receive a wide-scale reception for herupcoming space mission.
According to media reports, Namira Salim is the first Pakistani to travelto space. Virgin Galactic’s founder, Sir Richard Branson, nominated her onNovember 29, 2022, and she will be provided with the first opportunity totravel to space as Astronaut 019 by Virgin Galactic Holdings. It has beenofficially announced that Namira Salim’s journey is set to commence onOctober 5, 2023, as part of Galactic 04’s mission.
It is worth mentioning that Namira Salim, who has connections to aPakistani family based in southern France, was officially recognized as the”First Pakistani Astronaut” by the Government of Pakistan in 2006. In 2007,she served as Pakistan’s Honorary Ambassador of Tourism, a role appointedby the Ministry of Tourism.
In April 2007, she became the first Pakistani and first Asian woman toskydive over the North Pole, followed by a skydive over the South Pole inJanuary 2008, marking her historic firsts in mountaineering as well. Shehas also been working for peace.
In 2011, the President of Pakistan awarded her with the nation’s highestcivilian award, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, for her efforts to promoteinternational peace and harmony. In September 2013, in London, she waspresented with the Power 100 Trailblazer Award by Pakistan Power 100 forher contributions to international peace and her participation as “WomanPower” within Pakistan Power 100.
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Namira Salim had a meeting with the Federal Minister for Information andBroadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, where she was briefed on her preparations forher space journey starting on October 5. On this occasion, the FederalMinister for Information and Broadcasting conveyed the well-wishes of theGovernment of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan forher success. While talking during the meeting, Federal Minister forInformation and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said that Namira Salim is arole model for all women.
Her space journey is a symbol of Pakistan’s growing presence in spaceexploration, which is a significant achievement for the nation. NamiraSalim’s efforts will enhance Pakistan’s positive global identity as apeace-loving and progressive country, and the young generation of Pakistancan elevate the country’s name in various fields of life around the world.
