Pakistan is preparing to achieve a historic milestone in space exploration. The country’s first astronaut will begin a space mission from China on November 25, 2026.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the development during the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal.
The event took place in collaboration with Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
Pakistan Targets Moon Landing by 2035
Ahsan Iqbal also revealed Pakistan’s ambitious plan to achieve a lunar landing by 2035.
He expressed confidence that cooperation with China would strengthen Pakistan’s space programme.
The minister highlighted the growing importance of space technology in agriculture, communication, education, and national security.
He also stressed the need to invest in scientific research and modern technology.
Two Pakistani Pilots Compete for Historic Mission
China selected two Pakistani pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, for its human spaceflight programme in April 2026.
Both candidates have undergone intensive astronaut training in Beijing.
However, Chinese authorities have not yet announced which pilot will join the mission.
Officials expect the final selection decision during October.
The selected astronaut will serve as a payload specialist and conduct scientific experiments in space.
China Supports Pakistan’s Space Ambitions
The astronaut will travel aboard a Chinese spacecraft from a launch facility in China.
Chinese instructors will supervise training, while the astronaut will communicate in Mandarin during the mission.
The planned flight marks an important step in Pakistan-China space cooperation.
It could also create new opportunities for Pakistani scientists and researchers.
The mission represents Pakistan’s growing ambition to strengthen its position in global space exploration.
