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China has announced that a Pakistani astronaut will participate in a short-term mission aboard its space station, marking a significant milestone in Islamabad’s growing space collaboration with Beijing.
State news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday that the Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload expert during the mission. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the assignment aligns with medium-term plans and ongoing cooperation linked to China’s expanding space station program.
Xinhua added that the astronaut will train alongside Chinese crew members in preparation for the mission. China’s Global Times also noted that the astronaut will assist in routine onboard duties and conduct scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan, strengthening bilateral space cooperation.
China is currently selecting astronauts from Pakistan, with one expected to take part in a short-duration space mission at an appropriate time, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/hRwor7C14Y
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) October 30, 2025
Earlier in March, Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the CMSA signed an agreement enabling Pakistan’s first manned mission to China’s space station. At the time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the development as an important gesture by Beijing to advance joint efforts in the field of space technology.
In April, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to deepen cooperation with China, stressing that the country places high importance on its space sector. He also emphasized that China remains Pakistan’s most reliable and strategic partner. With a Pakistani astronaut now set to take part in a short-term mission, Islamabad moves closer to achieving a historic milestone in human spaceflight.
