Ahsan Iqbal outlines new era of tech, space, and industrial cooperation during key meetings in Beijing
Pakistan is preparing to launch a new chapter in its space ambitions, aiming to land its own rover on the moon by 2035 through strategic cooperation with China, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal confirmed during his recent official visit to Beijing.
This high-level engagement comes ahead of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s scheduled visit to China and the 14th session of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC).
Space, Nuclear, and CPEC Phase 2 Take Center Stage
In a series of meetings with top Chinese officials — including heads of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the China National Space Administration, and Nuclear Authority — Iqbal discussed plans to deepen cooperation in peaceful nuclear technology, satellite development, space exploration, and disaster management.
“We expect our first Pakistani astronaut to go into space by 2026 as part of a Chinese mission,” he said, adding that this would pave the way for a lunar rover mission and eventually Pakistan’s independent moon landing by 2035.
The minister also underlined the expanded scope of CPEC Phase 2, shifting from infrastructure toward industrialization, technology transfer, agriculture modernization, and skills development. He noted that over $25 billion in investments under the first phase led to 8,000 MW of added power and major road infrastructure. Now, the focus is turning toward creating sustainable livelihoods and export-driven industrial growth.
“CPEC’s second phase is people-centric,” Iqbal said. “We are training 1,000 Pakistani agricultural experts in China — 300 have already completed their program.”
He emphasized sectors such as agriculture, textiles, sports goods, and surgical equipment as areas where Pakistan has competitive advantages.
Iron Brotherhood Expands into Space and Industry
Describing Pakistan-China ties as an “iron brotherhood,” Iqbal said the partnership is evolving beyond economics into technology, defense, and space. He praised China’s support during regional tensions and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to collaborative space exploration.
“Our friendship is as visible as the Great Wall of China — even from space,” he said.
Iqbal also announced that special events are being planned in 2026 to mark 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
At a broader regional level, the minister stressed the importance of peace and cooperation through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), citing global disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.
“SCO must serve as a platform to defuse tensions and advance regional trade and understanding,” he said. He also condemned Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Jerusalem, calling them violations of international law and human rights.
Pakistan-China Business Conference Set for September
As part of ongoing economic engagement, the Pakistan-China Business Conference will be held in Beijing on September 4, aligning with the prime minister’s visit. The event is expected to bring together 250 Pakistani and 200 Chinese firms in sectors such as EVs, IT, chemicals, solar energy, and agriculture.
Iqbal noted that Chinese companies are increasingly interested in manufacturing in Pakistan due to lower production costs, and expressed hope that solar energy and electric vehicle facilities will be expanded under CPEC Phase 2.
