Pakistan Seeks Enhanced Space Technology Cooperation with China

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Pakistan is eager to deepen its collaboration with China in areas including space technology, satellites, telecommunications, and satellite internet services.

During a meeting with a delegation from Galaxy Space, a Chinese space technology firm, led by Chairman Xu Ming, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s strong emphasis on the space technology sector.

The delegates expressed significant interest in investing in Pakistan’s space sector and participating in collaborative ventures with Pakistani space organizations and private telecom companies.

The delegation conveyed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that their discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, along with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), were highly productive.

The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Advisor to PM Dr. Tauqir Shah, and other government officials.

Pakistan has been increasing its focus on advancements in space. Earlier in the year, the nation successfully launched its first domestically developed Electro-Optical Satellite (EOS) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China.

The satellite is designed to provide timely updates regarding floods, landslides, and earthquakes, enabling effective disaster response.

Last year, Suparco launched iCube Qamar, its first lunar satellite mission, aboard 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 this month.

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