Pakistan, Aug. 4 -- Pakistan is set to send its first astronaut to China's Tiangong space station in 2026, according to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The mission will be carried out under the "Uraan Pakistan" initiative, which places special focus on space science and technology as a future national priority.

During his visit to Beijing, Ahsan Iqbal met with China National Space Administration (CNSA) Chairman Shan Zhongde. They discussed enhancing cooperation in space research and nuclear energy and aligning these efforts with Pakistan's broader development goals. The minister said Pakistan had recently launched three satellites into orbit with China's assistance, marking a milestone in bilateral technological collaboration.

He stresse...