Pakistan has set its sights on sending its first lunar mission by 2035, with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) formally tasked to lead the effort, according to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Speaking in Beijing on Monday during a high-level meeting with Shan Zhongde, chairman of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency, Iqbal stressed that cooperation in space and nuclear energy will be vital for Pakistan’s long-term development.
Under the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, he said space sciences have gained fresh momentum under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. Pakistan has already launched three satellites in partnership with China and is preparing to send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station by 2026.
Pointing to the growing threats from climate change, Iqbal underscored the urgent need for alternative energy solutions to safeguard food, water, and health security. He called for deeper ties with China in peaceful nuclear energy and advanced fields such as quantum computing. “The K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants are clear examples of this cooperation,” he added.
The minister noted that Pakistan has set up a Quantum Computing Center and is aligning its science and technology goals with economic priorities. He urged China to expand exchange programs to give more opportunities to young Pakistani scientists.
Iqbal also highlighted the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in addressing Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy bottlenecks.
Chairman Shan Zhongde praised Pakistan’s continued progress under CPEC and pledged full Chinese support to advance Pakistan’s space research and peaceful nuclear capacity. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Pakistan.