Pakistan on Thursday successfully launched a remote sensing satellite from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC), marking a major step in the country’s space and technological development.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the satellite — developed by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in collaboration with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and Microsat China — is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in multiple fields, including agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and climate monitoring.
“The satellite will provide high-resolution, round-the-clock imaging to strengthen Pakistan’s infrastructure planning, environmental protection, food security, deforestation tracking, water resource management, and mitigation of natural disasters,” the ministry said, adding that it represents a “cornerstone of an integrated Earth observation system.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar praised the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese engineers and scientists, calling their cooperation “exemplary.” Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also congratulated the nation, confirming that the satellite had successfully entered orbit. He further revealed plans to send a Pakistani astronaut into space next year and to land on the moon by 2035 with China’s support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, thanked China for its partnership, noting that the achievement demonstrates “the soaring heights of Pakistan-China cooperation, extending beyond borders and into outer space.” He highlighted that the satellite will also provide vital support to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
With this launch, Pakistan reaffirms its place among the community of space-faring nations, the statement concluded, underlining the country’s commitment to leveraging technology for a sustainable and secure future.
