Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut on a space mission from China on November 25, 2026, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Sunday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal, Iqbal said the mission would mark an important milestone in Pakistan’s space exploration efforts. The event was organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

Two Pakistani pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have been undergoing intensive astronaut training in Beijing. China selected them as candidates for its human spaceflight programme, with one expected to join a mission to the Tiangong space station. The final selection will determine which pilot travels to space.

The selected astronaut is expected to serve as a scientific payload specialist, conducting experiments rather than piloting the spacecraft.

Iqbal also said Pakistan aims to achieve a lunar landing by 2035, highlighting the role of cooperation with China in advancing scientific research and technology.

He emphasised that space technology has applications in agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education, and national security.

The mission represents a significant step in Pakistan-China space cooperation and could create new opportunities for Pakistani scientists and researchers.