Islamabad – April 22, 2025
Pakistan and China are set to significantly strengthen their collaboration in the space sector as both nations aim to expand technological partnerships and explore new frontiers beyond Earth. This development follows recent high-level meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior representatives from Chinese space firm GalaxySpace, along with ongoing cooperation between SUPARCO (Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) and CMSA (China Manned Space Agency).
During the meeting in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s ambition to grow its space program through international cooperation, especially with China — a long-standing strategic partner. Discussions focused on joint satellite development, broadband communication networks, space-based research, and launching Pakistan’s first astronaut into orbit aboard a future Chinese mission to the Tiangong space station.
“This collaboration will mark a historic milestone, not just for Pakistan but also for the region. It will provide new avenues in scientific research, technological growth, and global connectivity,” said PM Sharif.
Earlier this year, China and Pakistan signed a landmark agreement allowing a Pakistani astronaut to participate in a Chinese crewed space mission — the first such collaboration for China with any foreign nation. Both countries have also expressed interest in working toward a joint lunar mission by 2028.
China has been instrumental in Pakistan’s space advancements, including the successful launch of PakSat-1R and the upcoming PakSat-MM1, which are expected to enhance telecommunications and data services across the region.
The cooperation will also focus on capacity-building efforts, including training Pakistani scientists and engineers, joint research initiatives, and infrastructure development.
