Beijing, August 1 — In a bold step towards space exploration, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, announced that the country’s space agency SUPARCO has been tasked with launching a lunar mission by 2035. The announcement marks a significant milestone under the national “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which aims to elevate Pakistan’s standing in space sciences and technology.
Iqbal made the remarks during a high-level meeting in Beijing with Shan Zhongde, Chairman of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in space exploration, nuclear energy, and advanced technologies.
The minister highlighted recent achievements, including the successful launch of three satellites in collaboration with China and plans to send Pakistan’s first astronaut to the Chinese space station by 2026. He emphasized that space science, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is gaining new momentum as part of Pakistan’s broader development agenda.
Recognizing the urgency posed by climate change, Iqbal called for intensified efforts in alternative energy solutions and peaceful nuclear collaboration to enhance national security in food, water, and health. He cited Pakistan’s K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as shining examples of strategic cooperation with China.
Iqbal also noted the establishment of a Quantum Computing Center in Pakistan and urged for expanded educational exchange programs to empower the next generation of Pakistani scientists.
Chairman Shan Zhongde commended Pakistan’s advancements under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions in space and nuclear technology.
As Pakistan sets its sights on the moon, the strengthened partnership with China signals a transformative era of innovation, energy sustainability, and scientific collaboration.
