Beijing: Pakistan has officially set its sights on space exploration with plans to launch a lunar mission by 2035, according to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
The minister revealed this ambitious target during a high-level dialogue in Beijing with Shan Zhongde, head of China’s Atomic Energy and Space Administration.
The meeting centered on broadening Pakistan-China cooperation in the fields of space technology and peaceful nuclear energy.
Iqbal noted that under the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, there has been renewed national focus on space sciences, particularly under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
He added that Pakistan has already made strides by launching three satellites in collaboration with China and is preparing to send its first astronaut to a Chinese space station by 2026.
In addition to space ambitions, the minister also raised concerns over climate change and its implications for national security, especially in areas like food, water, and health.
He emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean energy and using advanced technologies to address these growing challenges.
He advocated for stronger scientific collaboration with China, especially in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing.
Citing the K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear plants, Iqbal highlighted them as prime examples of successful bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
Pakistan, he said, has recently set up a Quantum Computing Center and is aligning its science and technology goals with broader economic development.
He urged for increased academic and research exchange opportunities for Pakistani students and professionals in Chinese institutions.
The minister also praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for its pivotal role in improving Pakistan’s infrastructure and resolving longstanding energy shortfalls.
Chairman Shan Zhongde responded positively, recognizing Pakistan’s steady progress under CPEC.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to continue supporting Pakistan’s space and nuclear programs and expressed hope for deeper economic and strategic collaboration in the future.
