Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in its human space programme as two Pakistani astronauts have been selected for China’s space programme. The development marks Pakistan’s entry into active participation in human spaceflight missions, according to the national space agency SUPARCO.
SUPARCO said astronauts Khurram Dawood and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali have been chosen for advanced training in China. Both will undergo specialised preparation for upcoming scientific experiments in space as part of the cooperation between the two countries.
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The agency confirmed that Pakistan is preparing for its first participation in the China Space Station mission. The mission is expected to take place by the end of 2026, where a Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload expert onboard the Shenzhou mission.
During the mission, Pakistani experiments will focus on microgravity research across multiple scientific fields. These include materials science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology. Officials said the research could help address climate change, food security, and industrial innovation.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, calling it an important step in advancing Pakistan’s space research capabilities. He also highlighted the strong partnership between Pakistan and China, saying the selection reflects close bilateral cooperation in scientific and technological fields.