Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday held a series of high-level meetings with NASA officials and representatives of leading US aerospace companies to explore cooperation in space science, education, research and technology.
During the meetings, the two sides discussed advancing Pakistan’s long-term space vision, promoting scientific research and innovation, and creating opportunities for young Pakistanis to receive world-class education, training and research exposure in the fields of science and technology, a news release said.
The minister said the government was working on a national space education programme to foster scientific curiosity, research and innovation among the country’s youth.
He said the proposed establishment of a Space Exploration Centre in Narowal formed an integral part of this vision, aiming to introduce students to astronomy, space science and research while inspiring a new generation of scientists, researchers and innovators.
Ahsan Iqbal said the proposed Space Learning Centre would serve as a national platform for promoting knowledge, research and innovation rather than functioning merely as an educational facility.
He said investing in space education was an investment in Pakistan’s future, as it would help develop the scientists, engineers and innovators needed to drive the country’s scientific and technological progress.
Highlighting the potential of Pakistan’s youth, the minister said the country possessed a talented pool of engineers, scientists and information technology professionals capable of making significant contributions to the global space industry if provided with quality training, mentorship and international exposure.
He invited American aerospace companies to establish development centres in Pakistan to benefit from the country’s young talent and skilled workforce.
The minister said Pakistan was keen to benefit from NASA’s experience, training programmes and scientific expertise to strengthen its capabilities in space science and technology.
He described the positive response from NASA officials and representatives of the US aerospace industry as an encouraging sign that could open a new chapter of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
Outlining Pakistan’s long-term ambitions, Ahsan Iqbal said the country aimed to send a national mission to the Moon by 2035 and establish a sustained lunar presence by 2047.
He said the vision extended beyond space exploration and formed part of a broader national strategy to build a knowledge-based, research-driven and innovation-led economy through global partnerships and advanced scientific research.
The minister said enhanced cooperation with NASA and the US aerospace industry could usher in a new era of science, research and space education in Pakistan.
He added that Pakistan-US relations should increasingly be anchored in education, climate cooperation, scientific research, innovation and space technology, stressing the need to expand bilateral ties beyond geopolitics towards geo-economics and technology partnerships.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to investing in young people, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan was laying the foundations for a brighter future through science, innovation and international collaboration to emerge as a regional hub of scientific excellence and innovation-led growth.