Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal held a series of meetings with NASA officials and representatives of leading US aerospace companies in Houston to discuss cooperation in space education, scientific research, and technology development.
During the meetings, the minister highlighted the government’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy through investments in science, innovation, and global partnerships. He said Pakistan is working on a national space education programme to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Ahsan Iqbal said the proposed Space Exploration Centre in Narowal will serve as a hub for space education, research, and innovation, aiming to spark scientific curiosity among students and prepare the next generation of scientists, researchers, and inventors.
He emphasized that the planned Space Learning Centre would be more than an educational institution, describing it as a national initiative designed to strengthen Pakistan’s scientific capabilities and encourage innovation-led growth.
The minister also invited American aerospace companies to establish development centres in Pakistan, citing the country’s growing pool of talented engineers, scientists, and IT professionals. He said collaboration with NASA and US institutions could provide Pakistani youth with world-class training, research opportunities, and international exposure.
Sharing Pakistan’s long-term vision, Ahsan Iqbal said the country aims to launch a national mission to the Moon by 2035 and establish a sustained lunar presence by 2047. He added that these goals are part of a broader strategy to advance Pakistan’s space programme through international cooperation, modern research, and technological innovation.
The minister noted that expanding cooperation with NASA and the US aerospace industry could open a new chapter in Pakistan-US relations, with greater focus on education, climate cooperation, scientific research, innovation, and space technology.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping Pakistani youth with modern knowledge and research opportunities to position the country as a regional hub for science, space research, and innovation.
