ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) inaugurated the Space Applications and Research Center (SPARC-GB) in Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday to address climate-induced challenges in the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan served as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the country’s first space research hub in this northern area.
According to a statement from the national space agency, the launch of SPARC-GB represents a significant milestone for the region. The center will play a crucial role in tackling environmental and socio-economic challenges, focusing on issues such as climate change, glacier melt, and water resource management. It will also be vital in monitoring natural disasters and protecting the region’s biodiversity.
In his welcome address, Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan emphasized SPARC-GB as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. He highlighted the centre’s role in supporting the local community through employment, capacity-building, and development initiatives.
Khan also stressed the urgency of addressing the region’s vulnerability to climate change and enhancing local capacity to respond to these challenges. He noted that the centre’s satellite-based monitoring capabilities will strengthen efforts to address environmental issues in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Chief Minister Gulbar, as the event’s guest of honor, recognized the opening of SPARC-GB as a vital step toward resolving the pressing issues facing the region. He pointed out that Gilgit-Baltistan, due to its susceptibility to climate change, faces threats such as glacier melting, which jeopardizes water resources and local communities. He also underlined the need for advanced monitoring systems to mitigate the risks of natural disasters like landslides, floods, and earthquakes.
The chief minister called on officials to integrate space technology and collaborate closely with Suparco for the region’s development.
The inauguration was attended by researchers, scientists, environmentalists, and students, all of whom acknowledged SPARC-GB’s mission to drive innovation and develop solutions for the region’s environmental challenges. Using advanced space-based technology, the centre aims to deliver crucial data on glacier monitoring, landslide risks, and unpredictable weather patterns, thereby ensuring the resilience and safety of local communities.
Through collaborations with the Gilgit-Baltistan government and international research organizations, SPARC-GB will offer technological assistance to address local challenges, including disaster management, ecological conservation, and socio-economic development.
As part of Suparco’s Space Education and Awareness Drive, the new space research hub also aims to inspire the younger generation by offering dynamic programs and research opportunities. It will serve as a beacon of scientific excellence, contributing to local and global space technology advancements.
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