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Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut into space on November 25, 2026, with China’s support, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has announced.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal, Iqbal said cooperation with China would strengthen Pakistan’s space research capabilities. He also announced an ambitious national goal of achieving a lunar landing by 2035.
According to reports published by Dawn and other news outlets, the mission will involve one of two Pakistani pilots undergoing training in China. The selected astronaut is expected to travel aboard China’s Tiangong space station.
Pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have trained at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing.
One of them is expected to become Pakistan’s first astronaut in space and the first foreign astronaut to travel aboard the Chinese space station.
The selected astronaut will serve as a payload specialist rather than pilot the spacecraft. The role will involve conducting Pakistani scientific experiments during an approximately one-week mission.
The programme represents a significant milestone in Pakistan-China space cooperation. The two countries have also worked together on satellite launches, navigation technology and plans for lunar exploration.
Iqbal said Pakistan aims to achieve a moon landing by 2035, highlighting the importance of investment in scientific research and advanced technology.
He stressed that satellite technology plays an increasingly important role in national security and scientific development.
The minister also warned that Pakistan risked falling behind in technological progress without greater investment in research and innovation.
Space technology has applications across several sectors, including agriculture, communications, climate monitoring and national security. Strengthening these capabilities could support Pakistan’s wider scientific and economic development.
Iqbal announced that construction of an advanced technology and emerging sciences centre at the University of Narowal would begin this year.
He also said resources had been arranged to establish what he described as Pakistan’s first space museum at the university.
The proposed facilities aim to promote scientific awareness and encourage students to pursue education and careers in space science and emerging technologies.
The announcements form part of broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s research infrastructure and expand opportunities for young scientists.
Pakistan’s upcoming astronaut mission, alongside its longer-term lunar ambitions, marks an important step in the country’s space programme. However, achieving these goals will require sustained investment, technical expertise and continued international cooperation.
