Saira Imran 
Pakistani Astronaut to Make History on China’s Space Station
A Pakistani astronaut is set to make history by becoming the first foreign national to enter China’s Tiangong space station. The mission will mark a major step in Pakistan-China cooperation in space research and technology.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that a Pakistani astronaut will join the country’s upcoming human spaceflight mission. The announcement came as Pakistan and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, the mission will be the first in China’s space programme to carry both Chinese and foreign astronauts. It will also give Pakistan its first opportunity to send an astronaut to China’s space station.
Pakistani Astronaut to Join China’s Space Mission
China has confirmed that a Pakistani astronaut will take part in its human spaceflight programme. The astronaut will become the first foreigner to visit the Tiangong space station.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has selected Pakistan for this mission under the space cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Two Pakistani candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have been preparing for the mission in China. Both candidates completed training and assessments for the programme. However, Chinese authorities have not yet announced which astronaut will take the final position.
The selected astronaut will work as a payload specialist. This role involves supporting scientific experiments and other research activities during the space mission.
Source: Pak China Embassy
Shenzhou-24 Mission to Carry Pakistani Astronaut
The Pakistani astronaut will join the crew of China’s Shenzhou-24 spacecraft. The mission will take the astronaut to the Tiangong space station for a short stay in orbit.
After completing the mission, the Pakistani astronaut is expected to return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.
China has not officially announced the launch date or the name of the selected Pakistani astronaut. Earlier, Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal indicated that the mission could take place on November 25, 2026. However, the final schedule remains subject to official confirmation.
The mission will be the first joint spaceflight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts in China’s human spaceflight history.
Pakistan and China Signed Space Cooperation Agreement in 2025
The upcoming mission follows a space cooperation agreement signed by Pakistan and China in February 2025.
Under this agreement, China agreed to train Pakistani astronaut candidates and prepare one of them for a visit to its space station.
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is working with Chinese space authorities on the programme. The two countries have focused on astronaut selection, training and participation in space research.
The agreement gives Pakistan an opportunity to gain experience in human spaceflight. It also creates opportunities for cooperation in scientific research and advanced technology.
China Says Mission Will Strengthen Bilateral Relations
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed Pakistan’s participation in the space programme.
He said the mission would mark another important result of cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed China’s interest in expanding joint work in space exploration and other fields.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan also shared pictures of the two Pakistani astronaut candidates. It described the development as an important step in the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China.
The announcement also comes as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
New Opportunities for Pakistan’s Space Programme
Pakistan’s participation in the Shenzhou-24 mission could open new opportunities for its space programme.
Training in China will give Pakistani candidates experience in spacecraft operations, scientific experiments and working in a weightless environment. This knowledge could support future research and development activities in Pakistan.
The mission also reflects the growing cooperation between the two countries in science and technology.
China has operated its Tiangong space station since 2021. Until now, only Chinese astronauts have stayed aboard the station. A Pakistani astronaut’s visit will mark the first time a foreign national enters the facility.
The upcoming mission is expected to attract attention from Pakistan’s scientific community and young people interested in space exploration.
For Pakistan, sending an astronaut to China’s space station will be an important step towards greater participation in international space research.
