Pakistanis selected for China space mission in historic first
By Tanveer Ahmed :
China has selected two Pakistani astronauts for training under its manned space programme, in a move that could see one of them become the first foreign national to travel to the country’s space station.
According to Chinese state media, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have cleared multiple stages of a competitive selection process and will now travel to China for advanced training.
The China Manned Space Agency described the development as a landmark moment, reflecting growing international cooperation in its expanding space programme.
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission said the candidates would undergo training at the Astronaut Centre of China, ahead of a planned mission to the Tiangong space station expected in late 2026.
One of the astronauts is set to participate in the mission as a payload specialist, marking Pakistan’s first involvement in human spaceflight. During the mission, the astronaut is expected to conduct experiments in microgravity, covering areas such as material science, biotechnology and fluid physics.
Officials say the research could have practical applications in fields including climate resilience, food security and industrial development.
The collaboration follows a cooperation agreement signed between Pakistan and China in 2025, aimed at strengthening ties in space exploration and technology.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the development, describing it as an important step in Pakistan’s journey towards participation in advanced space missions.
China has increasingly expanded its space partnerships in recent years, particularly after being excluded from the International Space Station programme, positioning its own orbital platform as an alternative for international collaboration.
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