Pakistan’s first astronaut is scheduled to fly into space on November 25, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said, with China backing the mission. Iqbal said Beijing is giving Pakistan complete assistance in its space programme.
According to Iqbal, the astronaut will leave from a Chinese space centre. He also said Pakistan aims to land on the Moon by 2035, with China helping to strengthen its research.
Training and Tiangong space station plans
Two Pakistani astronauts, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, were sent to China in April 2026 for advanced training. The move coincides with preparations by SUPARCO for Pakistan’s first-ever participation in a mission aboard the Tiangong space station.
Officials said a Pakistani astronaut is expected to join a Shenzhou mission by the end of 2026 as a payload specialist. SUPARCO said the astronaut will carry out several scientific experiments in microgravity on the station.
The research will focus on material science, biotechnology and life sciences. Experts believe the findings could help tackle challenges linked to climate change and food security.
Iqbal calls for science, a space museum and knowledge
Iqbal said space technology plays a key part in agriculture, communications and national security. He stressed that science and research could help young Pakistanis reach new milestones.
He announced plans for Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal. Referring to the Quran’s call for people to reflect on the creation of the universe, he underlined the value of knowledge, scientific inquiry and research.
