NAROWAL, Oct 18: Pakistan will send its first astronaut into space from China on November 25, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Sunday, outlining the country’s plans to expand space exploration and achieve a lunar landing by 2035.
Addressing the closing ceremony of World Space Week 2026 in Narowal, Iqbal said cooperation with China would help Pakistan advance its space programme and strengthen its capabilities in scientific research and technology.
The minister said Pakistan had set 2035 as its target for a lunar landing, describing space exploration as an important area for the country’s future scientific development.
He highlighted the growing importance of space technology in agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education and national security, saying advances in the field were increasingly shaping economic development and scientific progress.
World Space Week was celebrated in Narowal for the first time in collaboration with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), with activities aimed at encouraging young people to explore space science, research and emerging technologies.
Iqbal also announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal, providing a platform to promote scientific awareness and inspire students to pursue careers in space-related fields.
Referring to the country’s scientific heritage, the minister said the Quran encouraged reflection on the creation of the universe and stressed the need to develop curiosity and a culture of research among young people.
He recalled the contributions of Muslim scholars to astronomy and other scientific disciplines, saying Pakistan needed to rebuild its standing in knowledge and research.
The planning minister also congratulated the University of Narowal on securing first position at the Islamabad Science Festival, describing the achievement as evidence of the potential of Pakistani students.
He said young people who previously faced financial barriers to higher education were increasingly demonstrating their abilities through academic and scientific achievements.
Iqbal maintained that the government was working to expand opportunities in advanced technology and emerging scientific disciplines to enable young Pakistanis to contribute to the country’s future development.