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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the selection of two Pakistani astronauts for China’s human spaceflight programme as a landmark achievement, saying their participation marks a new chapter in the country’s scientific journey.
The premier met Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali at the Prime Minister’s House, where he praised their dedication and called their inclusion in the programme a matter of national pride.
Both astronauts have been chosen by China Manned Space Agency as candidates for its manned space initiative and are set to travel to China for advanced training. One of them will ultimately be selected as a payload specialist for a mission to the Tiangong space station, becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit the facility.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed confidence that the astronauts would “write a new chapter in Pakistan’s history,” highlighting their achievement as a significant milestone for the country’s space ambitions.
He also underlined the importance of Pakistan’s collaboration with China in the space sector, saying the joint mission reflects a shared commitment to scientific advancement and exploration.
According to officials, the selected astronaut will conduct a range of experiments in microgravity, including research in material science, fluid physics, life sciences and biotechnology, with potential applications in areas such as climate resilience and food security.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who attended the meeting, welcomed the development and described growing cooperation in space research as forward-looking and mutually beneficial.
The astronauts expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a unique honour to represent Pakistan on an international space mission, and pledged to meet national expectations through hard work and commitment.
The meeting was also attended by senior government officials, including Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, along with representatives from SUPARCO.
Pakistan has expanded its cooperation with China in recent years, including satellite launches and joint research initiatives, as it seeks to strengthen its presence in space exploration.
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