Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting on Wednesday with Pakistani astronauts Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali as they prepare for their upcoming human space mission. He described this milestone as a significant advancement for Pakistan’s ambitions in space exploration. SUPARCO astronaut attaché Hasnain Iftikhar was also present during the discussion.
The gathering included senior government officials such as Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Tariq Fatemi, Amna Baloch, and SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong attended as well, underscoring the importance of the Pakistan-China partnership in this mission.
During the meeting, the prime minister commended the astronauts for their dedication and perseverance, emphasizing that their selection is the result of years of hard work and commitment. He stated that the mission would not only mark a new chapter in Pakistan’s scientific development but also inspire young Pakistanis to pursue careers in science and technology.
Both astronauts are set to travel to China for training, with one expected to participate in a spaceflight as a payload specialist. This would make him the first foreign astronaut to serve aboard China’s space station.
Sharif highlighted that collaboration with China in space exploration will further strengthen bilateral relations, describing the partnership as one that is “reaching new heights.” He added that joint efforts in space research could pave the way for technological progress and innovation in Pakistan.
In a significant development, the Chinese ambassador expressed strong support for ongoing cooperation in space sciences, calling the mission a symbol of the robust and evolving ties between the two nations.
The astronauts expressed pride in representing Pakistan on the international stage. They described the mission as a rare honor and pledged to fulfill their research duties with dedication, aiming to meet national expectations and contribute to scientific advancement.
