Pakistan Eager to Enhance Space Cooperation with China

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif articulated Pakistan’s strong desire to deepen its collaborative efforts with China, specifically in areas such as space technology, satellite systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and satellite-based internet services. This announcement was made during a meeting held on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister met with a delegation from Galaxy Space, a prominent Chinese space technology firm, headed by Chairman Xu Ming. He affirmed Pakistan’s high regard for the space technology domain.

Representatives from the Chinese delegation expressed considerable enthusiasm for investing in Pakistan’s burgeoning space sector. They also showed interest in engaging in joint ventures with Pakistani space institutions, along with private telecommunications enterprises.

The delegates conveyed their appreciation for the warm reception from the Pakistani government and described their discussions with officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) as highly productive.

Key figures present at the meeting included Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Advisor to the PM Dr. Tauqir Shah, and various officers from relevant governmental bodies.

Pakistan has been increasingly focused on advancing its capabilities in space-related technologies. Earlier this year, the nation successfully launched its first domestically developed Electro Optical Satellite (EOS) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China.

Reportedly, the satellite is designed to provide timely data concerning floods, landslides, and earthquakes, enabling more effective response strategies.

Last year, Suparco initiated its inaugural mission to the moon, named iCube Qamar, which was launched via China’s Chang’E6 from Hainan, China. PM Shehbaz remarked that this satellite represented Pakistan’s initial foray into space exploration.

Furthermore, Starlink, a satellite internet service, is scheduled to commence operations in Pakistan around November or December, as stated by State Minister Shaza Fatima to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom earlier in the month.

Shanghai SpaceCom, a Chinese company, has also submitted an application for a satellite internet license in Pakistan.