Pakistan to send first astronaut to space

October 10, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan will send its first astronaut to space next year to participate in experiments aboard China’s space station, a major milestone in the country’s space ambitions.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of World Space Week at a Model College for Girls, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the government was prioritizing advancements in space technology to accelerate national development and prepare youth for future challenges, as reported by APP.

He revealed that Pakistan’s space agency had also been directed to pursue a moon mission by 2035, emphasizng the government’s long-term vision for scientific progress.

Highlighting the transformative role of space research, the minister said it was essential for economic growth, national progress, and global competitiveness.

“Space sciences now underpin every field  from communication and defense to climate monitoring and no country can progress without investing in them,” he stated.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that civilizations thrive when they remain committed to knowledge and scientific exploration.

 “Whenever Islamic civilization was at its peak in Baghdad or Muslim Spain our scholars were the world’s leading astrophysicists. But when we broke our connection with science and research, we began to decline,” he remarked.

He urged students to rekindle their curiosity and passion for discovery, stressing that connecting the young generation with space exploration would make them more creative, hopeful, and capable of leading the nation.

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