Beijing (TDI): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan’s space agency, Suparco, has been tasked with launching a lunar mission by 2035, marking a major milestone in the country’s ambitions for space exploration.
He made the remarks during a high-level meeting in Beijing with Shan Zhongde, Chairman of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency. The two sides met on Monday to explore ways to expand their cooperation in space exploration and nuclear energy.
Iqbal described the mission as a “historic goal” that reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on science and technology as drivers of national progress.
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He said the initiative falls under the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” program, which aims to boost research and innovation in space sciences. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has already made notable strides, launching three satellites with Chinese assistance and setting a target to send its first astronaut to China’s space station by 2026.
Iqbal pointed to the increasing risks posed by climate change, noting that alternative energy and advanced technologies are crucial to ensuring future food, water, and health security. He called for deeper collaboration with China in nuclear energy, quantum computing, and other high-tech sectors.
“Our nuclear power projects like K-2, K-3, and C-5 are a testament to what strategic cooperation with China can achieve,” he noted.
He also mentioned the recent establishment of a Quantum Computing Center in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of aligning science and technology policy with the country’s broader development goals. To that end, he urged China to offer more educational and research exchange opportunities for young Pakistani scientists.
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Turning to infrastructure and energy, Iqbal praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for helping remove major roadblocks to economic growth. He said CPEC had played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s ability to meet its development needs.
Chairman Shan Zhongde, for his part, commended Pakistan’s continued commitment to progress and development under CPEC.
He assured the minister of China’s full support in helping Pakistan advance its space program and peaceful use of nuclear energy. He reaffirmed Beijing’s dedication to deepening its economic and strategic partnership with Islamabad.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
