BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its manned space programme, marking a major milestone in bilateral space cooperation.
According to Chinese state media, the selected candidates — Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud — have successfully cleared multiple stages of evaluation and will soon travel to China for advanced training. One of them is expected to participate in a future mission as a payload specialist, potentially becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit China’s space station.
The China Manned Space Agency described the development as a landmark moment for its space programme, highlighting growing international collaboration.
In a statement, SUPARCO confirmed that both candidates will undergo training at the Astronaut Centre of China. The agency termed the selection a significant step in Pakistan’s journey toward human spaceflight, placing it among a small group of nations involved in such programmes.
Under the cooperation framework between the two countries, Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut to the Tiangong space station, with a mission tentatively planned for late 2026.
Officials said the astronaut will conduct a range of scientific experiments in microgravity, covering fields such as material science, life sciences, biotechnology, and fluid physics. These studies are expected to contribute to advancements in areas like climate resilience, food security, and industrial development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, calling it a major achievement and a sign of deeper cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The initiative builds on a cooperation agreement signed in 2025 between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency, which paved the way for Pakistani participation in China’s expanding space programme.